Caregivers are using apps , tablets , and computers to stay connected , coordinate care , order deliveries , and consult with doctors . And new advances in VR , robotics , wearable tech , and smart-home solutions are improving the day-to-day experience of both aging adults and the people who love and care for them .
“ The pandemic has created an urgency for the adoption of technology across all senior-related sectors ,” says Laurie Orlov , founder of the marketing research firm
Aging and Health Technology Watch . “ Worried family caregivers see technology as a lifesaver .”
KATIE ENGLER of Woodbury , Minnesota , was on her way to the doctor with her mother , who has macular degeneration , when she realized that sometimes her mom could read the license plate of the car in front of them , but not always .
It made more sense when
Family Means , a nonprofit that helps family caregivers , introduced Engler to a virtual reality ( VR ) simulation at their office . Through a VR headset , she experienced the world from her mother ’ s point of view . For example , when Engler “ attended ” a virtual birthday party , the middle of her field of vision was completely blurry .
“ Now I better understand what my mother faces every day ,” she says .
According to a recent
AARP report , about 17 % of American adults care for a family member over the age of 50 , and nearly one-third of adults age 60 and older live alone . Whether family caregivers like Engler live with their aging loved ones or help manage their care from afar , many have little support or experience — not to mention responsibilities to their own spouses and children .
Meanwhile , COVID-19 has exacerbated challenges for caregivers and older adults who live alone — from social isolation to monitoring their health and safety . At the
Using VR to understand and explore
The emotional toll of watching an aging family member decline can be devastating . How can you give someone the support and care they need if you don ’ t understand what their life is like ?
Embodied Labs , the company that created Engler ’ s immersive , 3D learning “ lab ” on macular degeneration , brings family and professional caregivers into the virtual world of aging adults with immersive experiences that simulate dementia , Parkinson ’ s , hearing loss , and more , through VR headsets like the
HP Reverb . There ’ s a module on
LGBTQ + senior experiences , and the latest , unveiled during the pandemic , addresses
social isolation .
“ Decades of research on virtual reality training have shown that humans create memories as though they are living these experiences in real life ,” says Carrie Shaw , founder and CEO of Embodied Labs . “ This leads to deeper emotional connection , faster learning , and longer retention .”
To help family members create new experiences together ,
MyndVR ’ s VR solution uses Bluetooth , a VR headset for the older adult , and a companion tablet for the caregiver to let family members travel or attend events together without leaving home .
Bonnie Gleason , 91 , lives alone in Leawood , Kansas , and uses a walker . But that hasn ’ t stopped her and her daughter , Ruth Waggoner , from parasailing , skydiving , and traveling to San Francisco together in VR . “ When someone is isolated , there may be limited things to talk about ,” says Waggoner . “ VR is really cool because Mom and I never run out of conversation .”
Easing loneliness with robotic companions
When people get older , their social circles often shrink . They may have mobility issues , friends who ’ ve moved or passed away , or family that isn ’ t nearby .
A June 2020 poll
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