This weekend at the Philadelphia Flower Show, over 500 event-goers participated in a new AARP augmented reality (AR) experience. The enhanced version of reality allowed attendees to use a tablet to view and interact with computer images of an animated game aimed at a wall of the AARP Block Party exhibit.
Few older adults have used virtual reality and many are unfamiliar with augmented reality, according to recent research from AARP.
"Augmented reality experiences largely show up in the gaming industry, so it's exciting to see AARP offer this experience to the 50+ community," stated Bill Johnston-Walsh, AARP PA State Director. "Video games are truly ageless. Those of us 50 and older play them for the same reasons everyone else does. They're fun, enhance our digital skills, and can help us prevent social isolation."
AARP donated $5,000 to the William Way LGBT Community Center. William Way was selected because it shatters stereotypes about aging, challenges outdated beliefs and sparks new solutions that help the LGBT community in the Greater Philadelphia region.