Va. (WHSV) – Residents at Bridgewater Retirement Community are exploring new places and connecting with the outside world through virtual reality
The technology has become part of daily activities at BRC, where residents can use headsets to experience destinations without leaving the community.
“I discovered the virtual reality platform at a national conference while looking at vendors. The platform was designed specifically for seniors,” said Laura Powell, director of life enrichment.
BRC initially started with four headsets. As the technology grew more popular, the community expanded to 10, allowing more residents to participate in group activities.
“There’s so many different directions that we can go with the technology,” Powell said.
Residents can choose where they want to go, sometimes taking inspiration from the weather or the time of year.
“If it’s really cold, somebody may want to go to Hawaii where it’s warmer,” the representative said. “It’s really about creating an experience.”
The virtual trips haven’t replaced real-world outings. Residents continue to travel in the community, while the headsets offer another way to explore and connect.
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