Page 45 - Seniorstoday July 2024 Issue
P. 45
Technology
4 Ways Virtual Reality
Improves Senior Living
While adopting a new technology isn’t the most straightforward feat,
virtual reality (VR) makes the effort worthwhile, writes Karishma Joshi
While adopting a new technology isn’t the physical training results in more strength,
most straightforward feat, virtual reality flexibility, agility, and cardiorespiratory
(VR) makes the effort worthwhile. fitness in older adults.
For the uninitiated, VR is a 3D simulation As seniors, it’s common to adopt a limited
that transports you into an interactive mindset about the body’s capabilities, often
virtual space once you don a pair of glasses succumbing to the age-old belief that the
or a headset. Initially popularised in the body inevitably declines with time. While
video games industry, this technology there’s some truth to this, the emergence
is now injecting the same gamification of VR certainly changes the narrative. By
principles into another burgeoning market: infusing an interactive experience into
senior living. That’s right, VR is becoming your otherwise dull exercise routine, VR
a medium for older adults to socially can take your fitness to another level (and
engage and stay physically and mentally it won’t have to feel like a chore).
active. Some must-try fitness VR games that can
Here are four ways virtual reality benefits add a dash of excitement to your fitness
individuals over 60: journey include Beat Saber, FitXR, and The
Enhances Physical Activity Climb 2. Beat Saber is a rhythm game in
Immersing yourself in a VR fitness which players slice cubes with lightsabers
experience is some parts challenging for to the beat of the music, while FitXR is a
the body but all parts enjoyable. A study virtual fitness club offering dance, HIIT,
by Sage Journals reveals that VR-based and box workouts. And the Climb 2’s
SENIORS TODAY | ISSUE #61 | JULY 2024 45
