At first glance, it does not seem like a logical combination: gaming and exercise. With the project “Young and old in motion with VR,” we show that these things do go well together. And that with virtual reality even connect young and old!
Maarten likes to think along!
Sufficient exercise is an important prerequisite for a healthy, long and happy life. Yet many people fail to get their daily dose of physical activity. Increased screen time is often pointed to as a major factor. But what if we use the appeal of modern technology precisely to promote exercise behavior?
Read more about games for preventive care
With this in mind, we created the project “Young and old on the move with virtual reality. Students get to work with the elderly using exercise games in virtual reality. First, of course, they undergo training on how to use these games. Then the students offer a helping hand in the use of the VR sets by the elderly. An enriching and active experience for both generations!
ApproachWe previously developed in collaboration with Social Gold Foundation and Lars Veldmeijer (NHL Stenden) a virtual reality game that allows elderly people to reminisce. We saw then that it is exciting for the elderly to discover new technology, but that excitement quickly turns into pleasure when a helping hand is offered. Again, we asked Social Gold to handle the contact with students and the elderly. We took care of the technology: installing the glasses and giving workshops to the students. What fun!
“Tijdens de kick-off werd goed overlegd welk spel of welke VR-beleving passend was en zagen we dat de ouderen snel gerustgesteld waren door onze stagiairs.”
Projectleider
ResultsDuring a successful try-out in Joure we saw how much the students and elderly people enjoyed discovering the vr games and connecting with each other. Currently we are working with Social Gold to roll out the project in many more places. The goals: more understanding between young and old, movement is stimulated, older people find connection with digitalization and we give young and old a meaningful experience. If that’s not a power-up for life!
At 8D, we support researchers in integrating a design approach into their work, from project design to creative product development and process supervision. This participatory methodologies help solve complex, human-centered issues and embed research results sustainably in society.
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