When we left South Africa in 1986 we left behind our family and that was tough. I think phoning home cost £ a minute so we only did it for special occasions. Years later when our daughter, son in law and two little granddaughters went to live in Bangkok for three years we had Apple FaceTime. This made a massive difference as we were able to keep in close contact with our family. We saw our youngest granddaughter's first steps walking. Every year they had a family trip back to the UK staying with us and our little granddaughters when they arrived would run and jump into our arms. We had been such a part of their lives and had not become strangers despite the thousands of miles separating us.
Now to the future of video connecting with families ......
Surrey University Research Project
We became aware, through attending a really interesting workshop, of the Surrey Healthy Ageing Research Partnership (SHARP).
- A partnership between older members of the public and researchers at the University of Surrey. Discussing issues of healthy living in older age at the University of Surrey.
- Helping shape the direction of research by being involved in focus groups. Taking part in research projects at the University. Learning about the variety of research carried out in the local area.
We have been invited to participate in a research project which is described as:-
'Our research aims to design a new immersive video conference system to help older adults enhance their social interaction with their families. The purpose of this discussion group is to understand the need for social contact between older adults and their families, the user experiences of using remote contact devices such as video conferencing systems and virtual reality, and the expectations and potential capabilities of older users for innovative immersive video conferencing systems that can be used by older people in the future.
The first part of this discussion group activity aims to explore the social interaction needs of older adults and try to understand older people's personal feelings and experiences when they have experienced social isolation and what kinds of support will be effective. We will also discuss any video conferencing systems you have used in the past, which will help us gain insights into older people's user experience and preferences.
Then, in the second part, we will have a trial experience with a virtual reality headset and a 360-degree camera and show a demo. After that, we will discuss the user experience of these products and collect feedback from participants on this technology or similar technologies. That will help our research develop a user-centred approach and truly help older users build better connections with their families or friends in the future. '
After the discussion group:-
We attended the discussions group and met nice people in a relaxed atmosphere. There weren't enough oldies there to be able to answer the questions in a comprehensive way. The invitation had been broadcast via the Guildford and also Milford U3A groups. It was the right target group but it only seemed to interest the three of us, who were interested (and nosy) anyway.
There is definitely an opportunity there to be able to provide a more immersive and emotional experience for the elderly. So its great that Surrey University are researching this area and we will be very interested to follow their progress.
The Chinese AI DeepSeek was big news on the day, so I downloaded the app and posed a question and this is the response:-
Virtual Reality (VR) Goggles for Elderly Family Connectivity and Remote Medical Care*
1. Family Connectivity for the Elderly:
VR goggles have indeed been used to help elderly individuals stay connected with their families, offering immersive experiences beyond traditional video calls. Examples include:
Rendever: A platform used in senior living communities that allows groups to explore virtual destinations (e.g., Paris, childhood homes) together, fostering social interaction and reminiscence therapy. Family members can join sessions remotely, sharing experiences in real-time.
MyndVR: Provides curated VR content for seniors, including virtual family reunions and travel experiences, reducing feelings of isolation.
Meta Horizon Worlds: Some families use social VR platforms to meet in customizable virtual spaces, enabling playful interactions (e.g., virtual picnics, games) that enhance emotional bonds.
Challenges: Adoption barriers include tech literacy, cost, and physical comfort (e.g., headset weight). Solutions often involve caregiver assistance and simplified interfaces.
2. Remote Medical Care via VR:
Doctors and therapists are increasingly exploring VR for remote elderly care:
Telehealth Enhancements: Platforms like **XRHealth* offer VR therapy sessions for conditions like chronic pain or PTSD, where clinicians guide patients through immersive exercises.
Cognitive and Physical Rehabilitation: VR apps like **MindMaze* or *Vivid Vision* enable remote monitoring of motor skills or vision therapy, with doctors adjusting regimens based on real-time data.
Remote Diagnostics: Emerging tools allow physicians to observe patients’ movements or environments via 360-degree cameras, improving assessments (e.g., fall risk, home safety).
Examples:
Stanford University’s VR study (2020) showed reduced loneliness in seniors using social VR.
RendeverHealth partners with hospitals to provide VR-based cognitive stimulation for dementia patients.
Challenges: Privacy concerns, limited broadband access, and integration with existing healthcare systems. However, advancements in haptic feedback and AI could enable more nuanced remote exams in the future.
*Conclusion*:
VR holds significant promise for enhancing elderly care, fostering social connection, and enabling innovative telehealth solutions. While adoption is still growing, pilot programs and studies highlight its potential to improve mental health, reduce isolation, and deliver efficient remote care.
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