Introduce virtual reality in retirement homes, and why not? From 2030, the number of dependent seniors will continue to increase. We must already look for solutions to meet this major societal challenge today. The technological revolutions of recent years have provided us with powerful tools. Why not share it with elderly people and thus improve their living conditions in institutions? Reconciling our seniors with technology can sometimes be difficult, but introducing virtual reality in nursing homes is not impossible. Lumeen did it, we'll tell you how we did it.

‍

An increase in the number of seniors in retirement homes from 2030

‍

From 2030, France will experience an increase in the number of elderly people. The first generations of the post-war baby boomers will be 85 years old, the average age of entry into a nursing home. The numbers are worrying: studies estimate that between 1.43 and 1.71 million elderly people will be dependent in 2030. However, when a resident is admitted to an institution, he is often forced to stay there. Maintaining social ties and fighting isolation and even depression then becomes difficult. How to deal with this public health issue that concerns us all? It is already necessary to propose solutions to improve the care of our seniors of today but also of tomorrow.

‍

‍

Older people and technology: an unsolvable digital divide?

‍

Demographic aging goes hand in hand with technological revolution. The last 50 years have been marked by numerous advances in the field. However, it seems that seniors have largely been left behind when making the switch to new technologies.

A CSA Research study conducted in 2018 shows that 27% of people over 60 never use the Internet, that is to say more than 4 million people in France. In addition, 43% of those aged 70 and over do not have a computer and 18% do not have a mobile phone.

‍

Indeed, older generations are sometimes very far from this universe, for several reasons. First of all, for lack of understanding it. Older people have not been trained in these new technologies and are therefore less qualified. This often results in a feeling of incomprehension and disinterest. The fear of the cold and impersonal character that new technologies evoke also often repels our seniors. Finally, many seniors have been able to do without these technologies until now and therefore believe that they are not necessary for their daily lives.

‍

‍

How to introduce virtual reality in nursing homes for the first time?

‍

However, the terms technology and seniors are not contradictory, they could even be complementary. Indeed, why not use the positive side of these technologies and share them with our seniors?

The virtual reality offered by Lumeen has one advantage over other technologies: its ease of use. Even more so when used in a retirement home. Indeed, there are no complicated manipulations for elderly people to do. It is the animators of the establishments who manage the session remotely and support the immersion of seniors using the tablet, connected to the helmets. All they have to do is choose content from the bookstore and stream it into the headsets.

‍

Elderly people then just have to let themselves be carried away thanks to the virtual reality headset. However, being confronted with a helmet of this type for the first time can question or even frighten seniors. For virtual reality to be well accepted, there is no mystery: you have to be pedagogical, caring and patient.

‍

Robin, co-founder of Lumeen, worked for several years as a nurse in an nursing home. He explains to us how he does it when he has to introduce virtual reality for the first time to seniors.

‍

1. Explain the concept of virtual reality

According to him, first of all, it is necessary to explain the technology and how it works. Robin explains that talking about “virtual reality glasses” rather than helmets is more practical for older people. This allows them to be linked to something they know. “Harnessing the imagination of residents is essential. They need to understand that these glasses are going to make them travel to another environment, 360 degrees. This way, they will be able to see images in front of but also behind them. It will be as if they were really there.” Robin tells me.

‍

“Seniors don't really become aware of what virtual reality is once the immersion has begun. However, explaining exactly what is going to happen to them in advance is crucial so that they can fully benefit from it later on.”

Robin, co-founder of Lumeen

‍

2. Physically insert the helmet

The second step is the physical introduction of the helmet. Showing and having the helmet handled is enough for it to become a trustworthy tool. “To facilitate the acceptance of this helmet, you can simply put it in front of your eyes, without necessarily having to be attached to the back of the head. The idea is above all to show elderly people that the helmet is safe, that they are in control of it and can easily end the immersion if they wish.” Robin explains.

‍

3. The tablet, a mediation tool

Before starting the immersion, using the tablet as a mediation tool is essential. It allows residents to preview experiences and easily choose what they want to see. They can therefore decide to swim with dolphins, to go to Thailand or to attend the Cirque Bouglione show! The tablet is therefore a real asset: the introductory documents that precede each immersion fuel the desire to put on the helmet and reduce the apprehension that it could arouse.

‍

Thus, the introduction of virtual reality requires constant support, if we want it to be accepted as best as possible by seniors. The availability of the session leader is essential. He must be able to answer all questions and reassure throughout the session. Don't worry, once the principle has been tested by seniors, they are often the ones who ask for more!

‍

‍

The benefits of virtual reality in retirement homes

‍

Thirty years of research have proven the clinical effectiveness of virtual reality in many fields. Now is the time to let seniors benefit from this technology. Lumeen is precisely the basis of a clinical evaluation process, with the aim of highlighting the benefits of the latter for seniors.

‍

The benefits of virtual reality in retirement homes can be social. It promotes well-being, social ties, access to culture and intergenerational relationships. They can also be therapeutic and alleviate anxiety and pain, fight depression and apathy, revive memories, and stimulate cognitive functions. As a result, virtual reality is one of the non-drug therapies, since it relieves certain ailments and contributes to well-being and the improvement of the quality of life. Find more information on this subject in our article: The social and therapeutic benefits of virtual reality in nursing homes.

‍

‍

Conclusion

Thus, the use of gerontechnologies is a more than serious approach when it comes to meeting the challenge of aging well. Democratizing the use of virtual reality in retirement homes is therefore essential. Thanks to Lumeen, we are proud to offer solutions to tomorrow's societal problems today.

‍

‍

References

“6.3 million French people excluded from new technologies”. Society observation center, http://www.observationsociete.fr/modes-de-vie/exclus-nouvelles-technologies.html. Accessed on January 28, 2021.

EHPA - Press and Training Council. https://www.ehpa.fr/. Accessed on January 28, 2021.