The world of technology is ever-evolving, and one of its most fascinating recent developments is the use of virtual reality () for reminiscence therapy among seniors.
Reminiscence therapy, which involves recalling past memories and experiences, has long been recognised as a valuable approach for seniors to improve cognitive function, reduce stress, and enhance overall well-being. When coupled with the immersive experience of , reminiscence therapy can open up a whole new world of possibilities for seniors.
In this guide, we’ll cover a case for implementing devices as a tool for seniors’ reminiscence therapy, outline the purported benefits, and provide essential safety tips for seniors using.
What is Reminiscence Therapy?
Reminiscence therapy (RT) is a psychotherapy technique where individuals recall past events to experience pleasure. Commonly used with older adults, this life review therapy enhances their overall sense of well-being.
What is the Purpose of Reminiscence Therapy?
Enhancing Cognitive Function
One of the primary goals of reminiscence therapy is to stimulate cognitive function, particularly in seniors with cognitive impairments or dementia. offers a multisensory experience that engages various cognitive functions simultaneously, including memory, attention, and spatial orientation. Navigating virtual environments, interacting with objects, and recalling past experiences can help seniors exercise their cognitive abilities.
Reducing Stress and Anxiety
The immersive nature of can “transport” seniors to familiar and calming environments from their past, reducing stress and anxiety. This therapeutic escape into the past can provide emotional comfort and relaxation, leading to improved mental health.
Promoting Social Interaction
Many reminiscence therapy programmes allow seniors to share their experiences with loved ones or engage in group reminiscence sessions. This promotes social interaction, reduces feelings of isolation, and enhances emotional well-being. In an interview with Aged Care News, Colin Pudsey, founder of Melbourne vendor Sil, said group sessions can be possible, allowing the participants to talk about their experiences after removing the headsets.
Personalised and Customisable
reminiscence therapy can be tailored to each individual’s preferences and memories. Seniors can explore virtual environments that resonate with their personal experiences, making the therapy more effective and meaningful.
Encouraging Physical Activity
Some reminiscence programmes incorporate physical activities, such as virtual walks or dances from the past. These activities not only stimulate memories but also encourage seniors to engage in physical movement, promoting overall health and well-being.
The Benefits of Reminiscence Therapy
Memory Enhancement
Reminiscence therapy can trigger vivid memories, leading to improved memory recall and retention. This can be particularly beneficial for seniors with memory-related conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.
Emotional Well-Being
Reliving positive past experiences can boost mood and emotional well-being. Seniors can revisit places they once loved, attend virtual family gatherings, or celebrate past milestones.
Reduced Agitation and Behavioural Issues
Seniors with dementia may be highly agitated and exhibit behavioural issues. reminiscence therapy may help calm them by providing a soothing and engaging activity that redirects their focus.
Cognitive Stimulation
Interacting with virtual environments can stimulate cognitive functions, potentially slowing the progression of cognitive decline in seniors.
Improved Quality of Life
By fostering positive memories and emotions, reminiscence therapy can enhance seniors’ overall quality of life, promoting feelings of happiness and contentment.
Health Precautions for Seniors Using
While reminiscence therapy offers numerous benefits, it’s essential to consider health precautions when introducing seniors to devices:
Medical Evaluation
Before starting therapy, seniors should undergo a medical evaluation to assess their suitability for the technology, particularly if they have underlying health conditions.
Proper Setup
Ensure that devices are set up correctly, with the necessary adjustments for the senior’s comfort. This includes ensuring the headset fits securely and comfortably. However, the program uploaded to the device must not have any disturbing content.
Supervision
Seniors using should be supervised, especially during their initial experiences. A caregiver or family member should be present to assist with navigation and ensure the senior’s safety.
Controlled Durations
Limit the duration of sessions, especially for those new to the technology. Prolonged use can lead to discomfort or motion sickness.
Motion Sickness
Some seniors may experience motion sickness. Start with gentle experiences and gradually introduce more immersive content as the senior becomes accustomed to using a device.
Breaks and Rest
Encourage seniors to take regular breaks during sessions to prevent eye strain and fatigue.
Comfortable Environment
Create a comfortable and safe environment for use, free from tripping hazards and obstacles.
Sensory Issues
Be mindful of sensory issues that some seniors may have. Adjust the experience to suit the senior’s sensory preferences.
Emotional Support
Be prepared to provide emotional support if a senior becomes overwhelmed by the memories or emotions triggered by experiences. This is even more plausible if, for example, a reminiscence therapy session focused on a location uploaded to the device that the senior actually visited years in the past, but now dredges back long-buried memories.
Real-Life Experience
The above tenets on using devices for reminiscence therapy came to light in a 2021 study at UniSA to test the level of apathy in aged-care facility residents. The study involved 43 residents organised into three groups – a team using devices for reminiscence therapy, a team undergoing reminiscence therapy using programs played over a laptop, and a passive care group with no tech devices. The results determined that there were no significant group interactions for all three teams after the sessions.
The group, meanwhile, mostly preferred content seen through the headsets than over a flat screen. They also showed very minimal side effects when their experiences were gauged through the Simulator Sickness Questionnaire.
One of the UniSA researchers, doctoral candidate Jim Saredakis, experimented on this further with evaluating experiences of 17 residents at Adelaide care home Helping Hand. He got to know the residents’ life stories and their positive reflections enabled him to find content relevant to them, to be uploaded in a reminiscence therapy session. The results found that the residents known to be highly apathetic spoke more and recalled more words; others shed tears of joy at seeing the content.
Conclusion
reminiscence therapy holds immense promise for improving the well-being of seniors by enhancing cognitive function, reducing stress, promoting social interaction, and fostering positive memories. However, its successful implementation requires careful consideration of health precautions and safety measures to ensure that seniors can fully benefit from the technology without adverse effects.
As technology continues to advance, its potential as a therapeutic tool for seniors is likely to grow, offering new avenues for enriching the lives of older adults and providing them with opportunities to reconnect with their cherished memories. In looking back at the past, seniors can find comfort, joy, and a renewed sense of connection to their own life stories.
The A.S.A.G. Reverse Mortgage
The A.S.A.G. Reverse Mortgage can be part of a reminiscence therapy programme. The fund can aid a senior homeowner with purchasing a device with certain therapeutic games, but only after completing an adequate medical checkup.
Call the A.S.A.G. at 1300 002 724 or send an email to info@asagfirst.com.au to discuss your finance options. You can also use the equity assessment tool below.
DISCLAIMER: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute official advice. A.S.A.G. is not affiliated with any mentioned brands or companies.