The Ohio Department of Aging provided a grant of $100,000 to establish the seminars in an effort to determine if innovation might enhance the independence and length of older citizens’ lives.
At first glance, virtual reality (VR) may appear to be a trend that is better suited for people in their younger years. On the other hand, an increasing number of elderly patients are embracing innovation as a means to revitalise their health and physical fitness.
The Jewish Federation of Greater Toledo is able to provide activities such as diving, parachute jumping, bicycling, and a great deal more—all while the participants remain seated in the comfort of their chairs—thanks to partnerships it has formed with facilities that provide care for the elderly.
Ben Malczewski, who is serving as the interim vice president of the Federation, made the observation that a significant number of the elderly suffer from dementia. He went on to elaborate and say that this is a method for bringing people closer together and providing a combined sensory exposure, both of which may help alleviate feelings of loneliness and melancholy.
According to Malczewski, the prospect of virtual reality is not just for thrilling encounters but also to allow the elders to take a trip of deep remembrance.
He described some instances, like people having the ability to take a walk down the streets they were familiar with during their childhood. They also had a couple who were brought to the venue of their wedding, and they could get a better sense of that experience.
More than five years ago, Donald and Barbara Gorrell, now both 98 years old, relocated to Kingston Residence, a retirement community in Sylvania. Now that he has witnessed her departure, he intends to fulfil her last request and explore Yosemite.
Gorrell claims that he and his wife have always planned to visit the location, but they have never gotten around to doing so. He explained that because of their ages, they were unable to participate in the activity.
The training sessions to test the hypothesis that older people may be able to remain engaged and self-sufficient for a longer period of time with the use of technological advancements were awarded a grant of one hundred thousand dollars by the Ohio Department of Aging. Gorrell is excited to take full advantage of this opportunity.
He responded by saying that what they were seeing was, in fact, real, but that it was being presented in a manner that was unlike anything they had ever witnessed before. Therefore, in order for them to accept it, they need to let their creative juices flow freely.
Virtual reality and state funding are making it feasible for a 98-year-old woman to operate a racing car and engage with untamed animals. New Amazon Echo devices were also purchased with the money to provide older citizens with virtual support in their homes.
