#106: ???? The Elderverse

Older adults are using VR and the Metaverse more than other age groups

Hey Friends,

A few weeks ago, I invited Noah Robinson, MSc Robinson, founder of Innerworld , to speak to the students, faculty and staff at the Champalimaud Foundation where I work, about the virtual universe he has created for users to learn evidence-based mental health tools and receive support in a place where they can feel safe, in virtual reality.

In the talk, Noah surprised the audience by saying many of the users in his game were older adults. I expected that most would be younger adults that are interested in VR.?

But no, he said that older adults, especially seniors are the primary users of VR. He introduced me to the term the Elderverse for the first time.?

I needed to know more, and that’s what led me to write this week’s Note.

Want to learn more about InnerWorld?

Check out a recent interview I did with Noah here.

?? In this note:

• ???? The Elderverse

• ?? The Brain Rot Dr

• ?? Alarmo

???? The Elderverse

Older adults are living longer than ever before, making those aged 65+ the fastest growing age group all over the world.

The World Health Organization has stated that the number of individuals aged 65 years and older is predicted to reach 1.5 billion by the middle of the 21st century.

This large-scale change necessitates an in-depth look at the well-being and quality of life of older adults, and the development of novel solutions to address the needs of this rapidly growing population.

For example, according to the 2016 Canadian census, about 6% of Canadians 65 years and older, and 30% of Canadians 86 years and older, lived in long-term care (LTC) homes or senior residences.

Individuals living in these settings may experience high levels of loneliness, social isolation, depression, and anxiety, as well as a lower overall sense of belonging.

As such, it is important to consider innovative programming that can help increase well-being in older adults, including those living with cognitive impairment.?

Recently, there has been increasing interest in understanding how technology, specifically virtual reality (VR), can be utilized to contribute to the well-being of older adults.

Despite popular misconceptions surrounding older adults and their aversion to technology, VR studies with older adults have shown high engagement levels when utilizing these systems.

In fact, older adults are actually one of the largest populations using VR.

Which has led to the term the ‘Elderverse’.

Virtual reality company, Mynd Immersive, has created the “Great American Elderverse,” an immersive space for seniors who want to use virtual reality to socialize.

The idea was for older adults to use the Elderverse to interact with one another, and also interact with family members or to allow family members to follow along by viewing a two-dimensional replication of what an Elderverse user is looking at.

Communal virtual spaces are gaining traction within senior living.

Mynd Immersive is creating virtual worlds, while more grassroots companies like Thrive Pavilion offer a suite of VR programs for older adults to socialize.

Through Google Earth and other tech, Mynd has created more than 200 “senior-friendly” games, immersive videos and virtual vacations that allow residents to “travel the world” without leaving the nursing home.

Mynd Immersive has a project goal to introduce VR therapeutics to 500 underserved senior care communities over the next few years.

They are also working on a VR therapy program for older adults living in memory care settings.?

One project is a VR “medication management” tool that lets older adults practice organizing their pills without real-world consequences.

VR has been shown to be an effective intervention with the potential to make positive changes in the overall well-being and quality of life of older adults.

More specifically, recent studies have suggested that there are potential benefits of VR interventions for pain management with diverse populations, to combat social isolation, and to improve balance, strength, and cognition.

According to a recent Stanford University study conducted in collaboration with Mynd, 79% of older adults said they felt more positive after using the technology and more than half felt less isolated.

Plus, these “Avatar”-esque adventures, “allow folks that are less mobile and sometimes cognitively on the decline to feel like they have some agency,” according to Mynd’s founder Chris Brickler.

?Virtual reality presents a promising opportunity to improve social connection, cognitive function, and overall well-being in older adults, especially those in long-term care settings.?

By embracing technologies like the "Elderverse," we can create meaningful, engaging experiences that foster a sense of belonging and empowerment for seniors.?

As we move forward, continued research and collaboration between technology developers and care providers will be key to unlocking the full potential of VR as a therapeutic tool, ensuring that older adults can thrive in this digital age.

?? Content of the Week

The Brain Rot Dr: How We Produced Millions Of Lonely Purposeless Men, We're ALL Getting More Narcissistic! Get Off Screens!

Dr. Alok Kanojia (A.K.A Dr. K)? is a psychiatrist and co-founder of the mental health coaching company 'Healthy Gamer', which aims to help with modern stressors, such as social media, video games, and online dating.

I’d like to highlight some key timestamps:

(28:59) Why Couples Get Comfortable & Have Less Sex!

(30:57) How To Love And Find Love

(47:38) The Dangers Of Devices On Our Relationships

I’ve met a lot of people this year struggling to find love, and make a connection. If that sounds like you, definitely give this podcast a listen.?

Dr. K explains the neuroscience behind falling in love, and how our devices and phones are stopping us from being able to feel a spark with someone.

I try not to use my phone at dinner, or when I am hanging out with friends or my partner. This podcast reinforced that behavior for me. I want to be present and connected to my friends and family, and the easiest way to do that is to stay off your phone in their company.

This podcast was a reader recommendation from Polina. Thanks Polina!

?? Check This Out

Want to wake up to the sound of Mario, Zelda and other Nintendo game characters?

Great news! Now you can.

Nintendo released Alarmo, a $100 smart alarm clock.

It’s a cute red clock, not unlike the emoji - ? that can track how much you toss and turn, and it can react to your movements when you get up.

And….if you snooze too long. The music intensifies.

Thanks for reading Nina’s Notes. If you like this newsletter, click the share button and send it to a friend.

Edited by Wright Time Publishing