Blog: Seeing life through a different lens

Age Scotland's Business Development Manager Jonathan Park explains how virtual reality technology can help us gain a deeper understanding of dementia.

As a keen mountaineer, I recently returned from my first summit attempt of Everest. The climb is terrifying, with many dangerous obstacles to overcome.

I traversed the Khumbu icefall, the Hilary step and two base camps, and 15 minutes later I placed my flag at the summit. I was both ecstatic and exhausted as I removed my Oculus Virtual Reality headset and collapsed into the safety of my comfy couch. 

Virtual Reality (VR) is the use of computer technology to create a simulated environment, usually viewed through a headset.

Immersing ourselves in new and unfamiliar surroundings through VR is a fantastic way to feel like we are experiencing something first-hand. It can also allow us to see our surroundings through the eyes of someone else. This can be particularly insightful when it’s through the eyes of someone who doesn’t see their environment in the same way as we do.

A person living with dementia, for example, may have an altered depth and field of vision, and colours and contrast can blend into each other and may contribute to confusion, anxiety and trips and falls.

Imagine if, using VR, you could navigate a space both through your own eyes and the eyes of the person living with dementia. This could change your perception and understanding of the challenges others might face.

Age Scotland’s new Virtual Reality Dementia Experience workshop is helping people to do just that using a platform created by software company, VR-EP. The platform transports users into a real-life environment such as a care home, a kitchen or their own house to allow them to experience a familiar environment through the eyes of someone who might see it differently.

The tool was initially developed to help architects understand how to design dementia friendly spaces. Our Age Inclusive Workplace team is delighted to offer this immersive training to organisations such as care homes, housing associations and universities as well as to carers and families of those living with dementia.

The technology enables users to be more empathetic when supporting someone living with dementia. It demonstrates how more considered design choices can improve daily life. It also allows them to identify any potential challenges and implement minor changes that will be more dementia inclusive.

This positive impact on design was recognised at the recent Herald and GenAnalytics Diversity Awards where our training tool won the Design for Diversity Award.

The feedback from participants who have taken part has been fantastic and we’re looking forward to continuing to share the experience with many more organisations and individuals who could benefit from our VR dementia experience workshop.

For more information visit www.age.scot/dementiaVR.