The Caring Corner®

Who Says Gaming Is Just for Kids?

March 17, 2014

A new approach for a new technology my help seniors suffering with one of the most pernicious of aging maladies… dementia.

Gaming experts in Australia have experimented with virtual environments to create experiences that dementia sufferers enjoy at home or in assisted living environments.  The technology uses traditional gaming consoles to create an experience that replaces depression and agitation with an experience that can be calming and distracting.

One of the first efforts has been to create a forest and allow the Alzheimer’s sufferers to manipulate the environment.  For example, moving their hands to change the speed and direction of the wind.  Follow on efforts may include a day at the beach, a hike in the mountains or a plane flight.

Most individuals with dementia or Alzheimer’s have limited physical capabilities and seldom leave their home.  Imagine giving such people the chance to experience a breath taking view, full of wonder and joy.

 

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