During the last few months, the Collaboratorio de Valls - Vallsgenera and the Smartcentre de Santa Bárbara have promoted a pilot test of a 360-degree virtual reality project. The initiative, which used innovative methodologies, wanted to contribute to improving the self-esteem of grandparents, as well as other groups of dependent people. It has also sought to influence mood and the ability to concentrate. So, over the last few months, the pilot test has worked to improve personal and emotional well-being by stimulating sensory skills. Through immersive photographs and videos, virtual reality glasses and stimuli, the elderly and dependent people have been able to go inside and experience the sensations of walking through natural environments.
The pilot test has demonstrated the power of virtual reality to improve the quality of life of the elderly and dependent people, providing them with immersive and meaningful experiences. The participants, that is, grandparents, students, teachers and professionals, have highlighted the emotional impact of the experience.
On the one hand, the Valls - Vallsgenera Collaboratory has had the participation of the Community and Inclusive Action Plan, the Valls Urban Basic Health Area and teachers and students from the Narcís Oller Institute. On the other hand, the Santa Bárbara Smartcentre has had the participation of the Basic Health Area of the CAP of Santa Bárbara, health professionals, trainees from the Institut de l'Ebre and participants from the memory workshop of the Smartcentre, as well as with the collaboration of entities of the CatSud Collaboratorio.
Looking ahead to the coming months, the two TIC Points want to expand and diversify these experiences and explore other applications of virtual reality in the health care and well-being of the people participating in the territory.