Virtual reality has lots of helpful applications in our world today. Not only are virtual reality apps fun for playing games and exploring the world from the safety of our homes, but they can also help people learn new things.
Virtual reality health and wellness apps are the next big thing in virtual medicine — and studies show these apps can help older people in many ways. Physical and mental health outcomes can both be improved using virtual reality.
Read on to learn more about how virtual reality apps can help improve the health and wellbeing of older adults, then contact us at Aspen Insurance Coaches for more details.
Virtual Reality Apps Help Seniors Improve Health and Wellness
Health and wellness are important for people at all stages of life, especially for seniors and older adults. As you age, your health can start to decline, and you can lose mobility and flexibility. But taking proactive steps to improve your health can make a difference.
Virtual reality health and wellness apps can help improve outcomes for older adults in these ways:
Fall intervention
Older adults are at a higher risk of injuring themselves from falling down. Virtual reality immersions can help with this risk by teaching safer mobility skills and giving participants a safe way to try these methods. Muscle memory in teaching safer mobility comes into play later when individuals are walking in the community and can help them avoid falls. Helping people learn better balance skills can reduce their tendency to fall when walking or getting up from bed.
Cognition and memory improvement
Cognition issues and memory deficits can be a problem for older adults and seniors. These challenges make it more difficult to live independently and can lead to depression and other issues. Using virtual reality apps to play games that improve memory and other executive functioning can slow the cognitive decline many seniors experience.
Virtual reality can also transport seniors back to their past by allowing them to explore places they used to live or frequent. This memory flashback can help prompt hidden memories and jog recollections of the past that are comforting and healthy.
Mental health gains
Many seniors are affected by loneliness and feelings of isolation — and the global pandemic worsened these issues for many people. Virtual reality apps can help combat these mental health concerns by connecting seniors with other people through games and fun apps. Loneliness and a lack of mental stimulation can cause more cognitive issues and potentially speed the progression of dementia and other mental illnesses. But with virtual reality wellness apps, older adults can reconnect with their community, doctor, therapist, pastor, and distant family members to stay engaged.
Increased access to exercise
Virtual reality creates any type of environment you want while you are still safely inside the confines of your home. This means seniors can engage in fun and exciting exercise options without the risk of adverse weather conditions. Cold, wet, icy, rainy, and very hot conditions make it challenging to exercise outdoors safely, but virtual reality eliminates those concerns. People can stay safe and warm while still enjoying a stimulating work-out.
Virtual reality apps are here to stay, which is great news for seniors and older Americans! Share the benefits of these health and wellness apps with your policyholders so they can also experience the positive aspects of virtual reality.
How Do I Learn More?
To learn more about how virtual reality can improve health, contact us at Aspen Insurance Coaches. Our affiliated experts will be happy to answer any questions you have.
