The Czech project "Virtual Reality in Keeping Older Adults Active " (VIREAS)

The VIREAS project has appeared in a report by the Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE) titled "Aging in the Digital Era." Among other European projects, it is cited as an example of a comprehensive approach to utilizing "smart" technology for seniors.

The project was carried out by the Faculty of Theology at the University of South Bohemia in České Budějovice, in collaboration with the Czech Institute of Informatics, Robotics, and Cybernetics at the Czech Technical University, and the Association of Virtual and Augmented Reality Ltd. The aim of the solution was to develop a set of virtual experiences primarily for residents of senior homes and a methodology for activation workers. The set includes interactive experiences from environments chosen by the seniors themselves at the beginning of the solution: Forest Walk, Walks in the Centers of Czech Cities, and Traveling. The methodology is primarily used by senior homes that wish to incorporate virtual reality into their offering of activation activities. More information about the VIREAS project can be found on the website https://vireas.cz/. The project was co-financed with state support from the Technology Agency of the Czech Republic within the Éta Program.

Text: Mgr. Věra Suchomelová, Th.D.

Photo: M. Kotek