UNC Students Revolutionize Senior Care with Virtual Reality and AI

• Author: Muriel Robel
• Posted: 2024-04-02

As North Carolina grapples with a rapidly aging population, a group of students from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is pioneering the use of cutting-edge technology to enhance the lives of seniors.

Venturing into the Ruth Sheets Adult Care Center in Raleigh, these students have embarked on a mission to introduce senior citizens to the transformative potential of virtual reality (VR) and artificial intelligence (AI).

At the forefront of this initiative is CareYaya, a company led by CEO Neal Shah, dedicated to leveraging technology for the betterment of senior care.

Their visit to the adult care center showcased the power of VR in transporting individuals to their cherished memories, as evidenced by Red Lyles' profound experience of being reunited with her beloved horses through a VR headset.

The senior participants also received exposure to AI art and learned how to utilize ChatGPT prompts for tasks ranging from accessing recipes to engaging in exercise routines.

Neal Shah emphasizes that the immersive experiences facilitated by VR have a significant impact on mental well-being, triggering positive effects on dopamine levels and promoting joy, peace of mind, and calmness.

Importantly, Shah points out that while younger generations may need to moderate screen time, older adults benefit from the cognitive stimulation and emotional enrichment offered by these technologies, even when physical mobility is limited.

With North Carolina projecting a significant increase in its elderly population, the timing of this innovative approach couldn't be more crucial.

Nirvana Tari, representing CareYaya, challenges ageist perceptions and underscores the importance of empowering seniors with the ability to embrace new technologies.

As she advocates for a mindset shift, Tari champions the idea that older individuals are just as capable of embracing innovation when given the opportunity.