A recent study reveals that more than half of the largest senior care providers in the United States have integrated virtual reality (VR) into their care services, revolutionizing the aging experience.
The “Evolution of VR in Senior Care Report,” conducted by immersive healthcare solutions provider Rendever, highlights the growing adoption of VR technology in senior care. The report underscores the impact of VR on cognitive, emotional, and physical health and its role in transforming senior care services across the country.
The Rise of VR in Senior Care
Virtual reality, once seen as a futuristic technology, has rapidly gained traction in the senior care industry. According to the report, over 50 percent of the largest senior care providers in the US now utilize VR to enhance the quality of life for their residents. This surge in VR adoption aligns with the increasing familiarity and comfort that today’s seniors have with technology.
Kyle Rand, CEO and cofounder of Rendever, explained, “We’re seeing VR utilization rates skyrocket within senior care, and it makes perfect sense. Most of today’s 65-year-olds have lived through multiple stages of technology advancements — this demographic is anything but tech-averse. Technology that improves their aging experience is a necessity, and VR adoption is showing what’s possible.”
Key Findings from the Report
The study reveals that VR sessions in senior care settings have seen a dramatic increase. Over the past eight years, Rendever has led 1,950 days of VR sessions, with approximately 43 percent of these sessions occurring in the last 12 months alone. This represents a more than 70 percent year-over-year growth in VR usage, indicating a strong upward trend.
Assisted living facilities are leading the charge in adopting VR, accounting for 26.6 percent of usage, followed by memory care (22.6 percent) and long-term care settings (11.6 percent). These statistics highlight the broad application of VR across different levels of senior care, demonstrating its versatility and effectiveness.
One of the most significant findings of the report centers around Rendever’s product, RendeverFit. This innovative solution combines physical activities with cognitive stimulation and social engagement, providing a holistic approach to senior care. Seniors who participated in RendeverFit sessions twice a week for four weeks showed remarkable improvements in their overall well-being. Participants reported enhanced mobility, a 44 percent decrease in pain interference, a 48 percent reduction in fall anxiety, a 33 percent drop in feelings of loneliness, and a 36 percent improvement in trust ratings with other community members.
“For many, VR is still new, but it’s one of the pieces of technology that older adults have adopted with impressive eagerness and meaning,” Rand wrote in the report’s conclusion. “With benefits ranging across cognitive stimulation, social engagement, and therapeutic interventions, it’s no wonder that the excitement surrounding VR in senior care is palpable.”
Lenovo Partnership Expands VR Access
In addition to the report’s findings, Rendever’s partnership with Lenovo further emphasizes the growing role of VR in senior care. Last month, Lenovo teamed up with Rendever to distribute its ThinkReality VRX headsets to elderly patients at the Carolina Caring facility. This collaboration aims to expand the availability of immersive VR experiences to enhance the quality of life for seniors, especially in situations where travel is restricted.
The partnership between Lenovo and Rendever, which began a year ago, has already resulted in over 700 deployments of Rendever’s VR solutions across the nation. Lenovo’s ThinkReality VRX headset, known for its superior display and user experience, plays a crucial role in delivering high-quality VR experiences tailored to the needs of senior care facilities.
A Promising Future for VR in Senior Care
As VR technology continues to evolve, its application in senior care is expected to grow even further. The “Evolution of VR in Senior Care Report” and the ongoing partnerships with tech giants like Lenovo illustrate that VR is becoming an essential tool in enhancing the aging experience, offering seniors new ways to stay engaged, connected, and healthy.
