Virtual Reality Brings Joy to Seniors, Improving Emotional Health: Stanford University Study

Virtual reality (VR) technology has a remarkable positive impact on seniors' well-being, according to a ground-breaking study by Stanford University and Mynd Immersive.

Retired Army Colonel Farrell Patrick, who taught computer science at West Point in the 1970s and later at two private universities, recently delved into his first VR experience at John Knox Village, a Fort Lauderdale, Florida retirement community. At the age of 91, Patrick was astounded as he virtually immersed himself in the experience of being in a Navy fighter jet flying off the Florida coast.

Participating in a Stanford University study conducted in collaboration with Mynd Immersive, John Knox Village was one of 17 senior communities across the US exploring the impact of VR on seniors aged 65 to 103, per AP News. The study revealed that most participants enjoyed the VR experience, leading to improved emotions and interactions with staff.

(Photo : Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Janet Anding (L) and others watch a virtual reality show broadcast to their MYNDVR's virtual reality headsets at John Knox Village on June 01, 2021 in Pompano Beach, Florida.

VR Boosts Happiness in Senior Users

Seniors engaged in seven-minute virtual experiences, ranging from parachuting and riding in a tank to watching performances, playing with animals, and visiting various locations. The VR sessions, providing 360-degree views and sounds, were found to evoke positive memories and stimulate the participants' brains.

Stanford's peer-reviewed study indicated that almost 80% of seniors reported a more positive attitude after VR sessions, and nearly 60% felt less socially isolated. However, enjoyment slightly diminished for older participants with deteriorated sight and hearing, who were also more likely to dislike technology in general.

Caregivers reported that almost 75% of residents' moods improved after using VR, and over 80% of residents and nearly 95% of caregivers stated that discussing their VR experiences enhanced their relationships.

Ryan Moore, a Stanford doctoral candidate involved in the research, emphasized the positive response from seniors, many of whom experienced VR for the first time and expressed a desire to try it again. "They enjoyed it. They were likely to recommend it to others, and they looked forward to doing it again."

Chris Brickler, CEO and co-founder of Mynd Immersive, a Texas-based company specializing in VR for seniors, highlighted the transformative impact of VR compared to traditional forms of entertainment.

Addressing common complaints from seniors, Mynd has addressed issues with heavy headsets, heat generation, and video stability, introducing new lightweight headsets with built-in cooling fans.

(Photo : Joe Raedle/Getty Images) Andrea Hipskind and John Dalsimer (L-R) watch a virtual reality skydiving show broadcast to their MYNDVR's virtual reality headsets at John Knox Village on June 01, 2021 in Pompano Beach, Florida.

VR Being Used to Promote Healing, Peace, and Empathy

In a related initiative, Mynd has unveiled a new virtual reality therapy method designed to assist war veterans in addressing decades-old trauma. TechTimes earlier reported that this therapy, developed in partnership with VR Immersive, involves creating a 'Virtual Vietnam' experience. By digitally returning veterans of the Vietnam War to locations they may have visited during the conflict, the VR application aids veterans in processing their trauma and finding a "path to peace."

Mynd Immersive CEO Chris Brickler said, "Virtual Vietnam: A Path to Peace" gives veterans a safe and relaxing way to experience Vietnam's modern vibrancy to promote healing, peace, and reconciliation.

Another piece of news emphasizing the positive use of VR was the recent endeavor of famous activist and model Sabrina Dhowre Elba to launch the "On the Brink" VR video to raise awareness of the worldwide hunger epidemic. To rekindle empathy, the interactive experience gives users a close-up view of the poverty that war, climate change, and rising food prices have caused.

The film's debut coincides with shocking statistics from Hungry for Action, revealing that approximately 18.3 million people have died from hunger globally since the Ethiopian famine in 1984.

Dhowre Elba emphasizes the potential of VR technology to combat desensitization to critical issues and calls for recognition of the severity of the global hunger crisis amid government budget cuts and reduced funding for crisis mitigation.