A successful partnership between award-winning Melbourne company SilVR Adventures and one of Singapore’s largest elder care providers St Luke’s ElderCare (SLEC), has sparked a significant roll-out of virtual reality for elders and a joint research project.
St Luke’s ElderCare (SLEC) began introducing SilVR Adventures’ VR headsets and software across its centre and community-based facilities in 2023, bringing immersive travel and social experiences to those affected by physical disabilities and isolation. Inside Ageing reported on this partnership at the time.
After early success, the SLEC Virtual World Programme was rolled out across Singapore, aiming to enrich the lives of 600 elders across eight centres in five months by offering immersive virtual travel experiences.
SilVR Adventures Founder Colin Pudsey shared, ‘Our partnership with SLEC was our first international venture in Asia and it has succeeded beyond expectations, allowing us to reach more vulnerable and isolated people.’
‘By delivering VR content in multiple languages, we’ve recently expanded into additional new markets with partners in China and Japan, alongside continued growth with leading care providers across Australia and New Zealand.’
Colin Pudsey, Founder, SilVR Adventures
SiVR Adventures has partnered with Oroi, a European VR platform, to diversify its range into cognitive, physical and occupational therapies.
Outside of aged care, they are working with the Department of Justice and Community Safety in Victoria and Langi Kal Kal Prison, to pilot a VR program to help reintegrate inmates into society and are now looking to expand that program.
The trial program focused on using VR to simulate everyday tasks such as using an ATM or supermarket self-checkout to familiarise inmates with the outside world – giving them the best chance of assimilation.
Since winning a Future of Ageing Award in 2020, SilVR Adventures has continually evolved, with an expanded VR library for older adults to include immersive music and wildlife experiences, and a classical music series set in luxurious surroundings.
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*A body of research suggests music has many benefits for people living with dementia, including a reduction in agitation, anxiety and depression, and enhancement of cognitive function, communication and self-expression.
https://www.healthline.com/health/dementia/music-for-dementia
https://www.dementiauk.org/information-and-support/living-with-dementia/music-and-dementia/
https://www.pacificneuroscienceinstitute.org/blog/dementia/the-unexpected-benefits-of-music-therapy-for-dementia-patients-according-to-a-geriatrician/
