Local seniors can now explore countries around the world without leaving the comfort of a chair.
The County of Brant’s Virtual Reality for Seniors program can help older residents experience virtual reality (VR) as a means to have fun and stimulate mental activity.
“We want to offer a safe, inclusive, and barrier-free space for older adults to explore virtual reality,” said Gary Jermy, director of community innovation at County of Brant Public Libraries. “With the help of our skilled staff, seniors can look forward to having tremendous fun while navigating a new skill.”
Introduction to Virtual Reality is recommended as a first session so participants can learn how to use a VR headset.
Jeremy said the benefits of VR include improved cognitive function, mental stimulation, improved socialization, and decreased anxiety about using new technology.
Armchair Travel sessions can take seniors to far-flung regions of the world to experience activities such as deep sea diving or virtual bus rides, from a comfortable library chair.
The winter program, funded in part by the provincial government wraps up on March 15 with a Fun with Virtual Reality, Games, and Videos session, followed by a Seated Exercise with Virtual Reality session on March 22.
The sessions for seniors run Wednesdays from 1 pm to 3 pm from Jan. 18 to March 22.
Locations will vary from week to week at County of Brant Public Library locations, and a schedule can be seen online at brantlibrary.ca/vr
Seniors can register for VR sessions at the website, by visiting their local library branch, or by calling 519-442-2433. Free taxi service for County of Brant residents is available by talking to library staff.
The County of Brant Public Library has branches in Burford, Glen Morris, Paris, Scotland-Oakland, and St. George, along with a mobile library and a 24-hour book-lending kiosk in Onondaga.