Retired Army Col. Farrell Patrick, a 91-year-old former computer science teacher, recently had his first virtual reality experience at John Knox Village, a retirement community in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He was amazed by the immersive experience of flying a Navy fighter jet off the Florida coast. Patrick's reaction is not unique, as a Stanford University study found that seniors between 65 and 103 years old enjoyed virtual reality experiences, improving their emotions and interactions with staff.

Participants in the study tried out various virtual experiences, such as parachuting, riding in a tank, watching stage performances, playing with puppies and kittens, or visiting places like Paris or Egypt. The headsets provided 360-degree views and sounds, making it seem like they were actually in the experience. The study found that almost 80% of seniors reported having a more positive attitude after their VR session, and almost 60% felt less socially isolated.

Mynd Immersive, a company specializing in virtual reality for seniors, worked with Stanford on the study. The company's CEO and co-founder, Chris Brickler, emphasized the benefits of VR for seniors' well-being. Virtual reality has been particularly helpful for seniors with Alzheimer's and dementia, as it can spark memories and lead to conversations with caregivers.

At John Knox Village, virtual reality is also used to enhance mobility and flexibility for seniors. Mynd has developed a game where seniors can "catch butterflies," which helps with shoulder rehab. The company is working on integrating Google Earth into their systems so seniors can virtually visit places from their past, sparking further conversations with caregivers.

The study found that some seniors had complaints about VR, such as heavy headsets, overheating, and nausea. Mynd has addressed these issues by developing lighter headsets with built-in cooling fans and smoother videos. The study also found that seniors in their 80s and 90s enjoyed VR less than those in their 70s, leading to potential changes in the technology to better suit older users.

Overall, virtual reality has been a positive and engaging experience for seniors, providing them with new opportunities for exploration and connection. At John Knox Village, seniors like Pete Audet and his wife Karen have enjoyed their virtual experiences, with Pete trying out flying in a wingsuit and Karen exploring Paris. Virtual reality has proven to be a valuable tool for enhancing the well-being of older adults and improving their relationships with caregivers.