Can virtual reality help ward off ageing?
The St Maternus home likes to experiment with modern technology. They use video games and smart speakers connected to the Internet. The virtual reality glasses are part of the biography project, to help people explore their own personal history. Maria Hertwig, for example, spent her childhood in Bavaria.
There are still not enough studies yet to prove the positive effects. "In principle, however, the use of such electronic media can be viewed positively because it can increase the possibilities of compensating for physical or psychological limitations,” Kleinemas says.
Herbert Mauel, director of the Federal Association of Private Providers of Social Services (bpa), believes, however, that there has to be more research into whether these technologies help to maintain or even enhance cognitive abilities. "Virtual reality glasses alone can't do the job," he says. In recent years, however, some promising interactive instruments have been developed to train attention and mobility. Whether this can be translated into lasting success remains to be seen.
Hermann Brockenauer doesn't care about the long-term effects. The 77-year-old St. Maternus resident is a passionate racing car driver. He’s playing the rally video game Dirt 3 and is choosing his car colour. "Let's pick black," he says. "That way you can see the dirt better later." And a nice sound, "so you can hear the engine”.
See the full story here: https://www.thestar.com.my/tech/tech-news/2018/07/04/can-virtual-reality-help-ward-off-ageing/