Author: HairWeavings Editorial Team

Originally posted at: Marysol Patton’s Black Dress with White Collar

According to a study by the University of Kent in the UK, virtual reality can help people with dementia recall old memories and improve language and reasoning skills often caused by Alzheimer’s.

At the SXSW panel in Austin, Texas, researchers suggested that VR can help combat feelings of loneliness and isolation, the two key factors linked to Alzheimer’s.

According to a study by the National Academy of Science, Engineering and Medicine, social isolation and loneliness among seniors are associated with a 50% increased risk of dementia.

The use of virtual reality helps doctors study the health conditions of dementia patients by monitoring their behavior when older adults respond to different activities and games.

Here are 3 ways virtual reality can help dementia patients:

1: Avoid Loneliness and Social Isolation

It is common for older adults to feel lonely and socially isolated due to several factors. Some elderly live alone in their homes or care centers, away from family and friends. Others lose their spouse or are homebound because of immobility issues due to an illness or disability.

Loneliness and social isolation are associated with a 50% increased risk of dementia among older adults (according to a 2020 report). AARP Innovation Lab has developed an app (Alcove) to combat loneliness among seniors with dementia.

The app provides a virtual home filled with endless experiences to play games, travel the world, connect with loved ones, get moving, customize your virtual home, and relax. You also have a pet rabbit to play with.

More about ALCOVE.

Read my previous articles here: Mobile Apps For Dementia Patients, Alexa Skills for Dementia Patients, and iPad Gamesfor Dementia Patients.

2: Virtual Reality Promotes Wellness Among Dementia Patients

New research from York University (published in the Journal of Prevention of Alzheimer’s Disease) shows that VR therapy could improve mood and manage symptoms in older adults with dementia.

The key findings suggest:

• VR therapy can improve mood and manage symptoms among senior dementia patients.
• Virtual reality helps treat and manage apathy and aggression among dementia patients with cognitive decline.
• VR therapy improved the quality of life for dementia patients who were unable to leave the hospital room because of mobility issues by stimulating the experience of nature for them.
• VR therapy has a positive effect on family, professional caregivers and hospital staff dealing with dementia patients.

The typically non-communicative dementia patients showed great progress. They became animated, laughing and making jokes after VR experience with natural scenes and experiencing images and memories from a previous experience like stimulating the environment of the country where they grew up.

3: Virtual Reality Stimulates Memory in Dementia Patients

One of the major symptoms of dementia is memory loss which negatively affects the patient’s ability to perform day-to-day activities. The finding of a recent study suggests that encounters in virtual environments help patients recall old memories.

The participants accessed five different environments using virtual reality including a cathedral, a forest, a sand beach, a rocky beach, and the countryside. The participants remembered a trip they had taken and details like when they saw the bridge in a virtual environment that reminded them of that holiday.

Caregivers also reported improved relationships with patients after the VR experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Seniors Use Virtual Reality?

Seniors can use virtual reality to socialize, engage in new activities, and virtually visit new places. VR technology can be used for entertainment, to ease physical pain by providing distraction, and as positive impact on cognitive functions, including improving attention and visual memory.

Can Virtual Reality Help with Dementia?

Studies highlight many benefits of virtual reality for dementia patients, including reduced anxiety and depression. A study by the University of Kent found that VR can improve the quality of life for dementia patients by helping them recall memories, reduce aggression, and improve their interaction with caregivers.

Can You Play VR in a Wheelchair?

Yes, there are many games and experiences to enjoy through VR while sitting in a wheelchair. You can adjust the camera and settings and choose games with front-facing action to make VR wheelchair-accessible. VR enables wheelchair users to explore historic locations and nature from their chairs.

Conclusion

Numerous studies and statistics highlight the benefits of virtual reality for dementia patients and caregivers. VR vastly improves the quality of life for dementia patients by enabling them to recall memories, reducing aggression, and improving interaction with family and professional caregivers.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Have you ever considered virtual reality as a way to help people suffering from brain deterioration conditions? Do you have any experience with virtual reality?

Older adults, raise your hand if you believe that imagination’s ripeness remains in the realm of children. If your hand shot up, you should know I would’ve joined you – until two months ago.

After reading a long-term study debunking this myth, I was reminded of my passion regarding inspiration and ageless possibilities. In the weekend edition of The Wall Street Journal of December 2, 2023, Professor Andrew Shtulman wrote about research disputing the idea that imagination declines with age.

I suspect that the great Napoleon Hill would concur. Long ago, he wrote: “The imagination is the workshop of the soul.” My encounters and observations at a conference I attended a few weeks ago, reinforce this premise even more.

Shtulman’s Research

Before discussing more about the conference’s delights, let me share more about Professor Shtulman’s findings based on 40 years of research.

Children’s imagination doesn’t decrease as we get older. Instead, it may be the opposite.

You can’t imagine what you don’t know. Thus, the more seeds we sow, the chances for more robust blooms increase.

Dr. Shtulman’s essay, adapted from the book Learning to Imagine: The Science of Discovering New Possibilities, describes the in-depth evidence based on his experiments with children. To me and, I hope, for older adults, this information validates for us what Dr. Hill declared in his book, Think and Grow Rich.

Whatever the mind conceives and believes, it can achieve.

My Experience at the Conference

At the end of January, I attended a conference in Austin, Texas for novel marketing. We ingested delicious offerings for which I’m most grateful. However, meeting new and creative people topped everything. A few Gen Zs, many Gen Xs, and several Baby Boomers mixed, creating a scrumptious concoction. The imagination dazzling at its best.

I spoke with a 21-year-old woman who hailed from another part of Texas. Her novel, In the Company of Cows, now sits on Amazon’s list for Christian westerns and westerns. I told her that age favors her for many sumptuous gifts in the years ahead. Her imagination will flourish as she adds life’s lessons along the way.

A 33-year-old man shared with me his abilities to write about mental health issues.

Next along the age chain, a lovely Gen X person whom I met at another conference has her first novel arriving in June, When The Ocean Roars, ready for preorder. I promised I’d read and review when it comes out.

Boomers and Imagination

Finally, there were several of us Boomers. They shined as they revealed their years of earlier learning sprinkled their imagination with a rich foundation.

First, my new bestie writes Women’s Fiction. I just purchased her book, Julia Redesigned, from her Second Chance Series. Her roommate for the conference, also a Boomer, writes dystopian novels.

Next, I spent time with another woman, age 70, whose novel focuses on Susan B. Anthony’s brother and involves Kansas and Martha’s Vineyard nearer to my stretch of the woods. This book will be the first in a trilogy.

Other boomers I encountered included one woman who wrote a book about a divorced womаn’s colony in the 1950s’ Nevada. Another, a gentleman at least north of 70, shared with me he had been writing for 30 years. He added he went slow, and I told him, “So what?” and used the adage about the tortoise and the hare.

We oldies but goodies navigated the terrain no less than our younger counterparts, and, I hope, we provided fodder that the imagination doesn’t wither with age.

Older Can Mean Greater

Think about the great ones whose imaginations emboldened them later in life.

Grandma Moses didn’t start painting until age 76. James Parkinson didn’t identify the disease named after him until age 62. In his 60s, Colonel Sanders had been on the brink of despair until he got the idea of perfecting his chicken recipe and birthing Kentucky Fried Chicken.

Many older adults have done similar things in the sunset of their lives.

I hypothesize that every one of these individuals entered their creative workshops, went on an exploration, and uncovered those gems of inspiration ready for the taking.

All of us can discover the gifts of our imagination even under the most arduous circumstances, but like so many things, it’s up to us.

If you haven’t yet, brush off the dust surrounding your imagination and watch what happens.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you think you have lost your imagination with age? Where did this belief come from? Are you willing to change your mind based on current research? What was your last work of imagination?

Originally posted at: Dorit Kemsley’s White Pearl Studded Sunglasses

As a seasoned traveler over 50, your frequent business trips demand a wardrobe that effortlessly blends sophistication and comfort. Navigating the realm of travel business attire becomes an art, where your experience meets expression, and your style becomes a statement of both professionalism and personal flair.

1. Reversible 3-Piece Travel Outfit at TravelSmith – These flattering and versatile soft, wrinkle-resistant pieces allow for multiple looks with an open-front jacket and reversible square-neck tank, paired with pull-on pants in solid black with a full elastic waist.
2. Magellan’s Travel Easy Dress at TravelSmith – This wrinkle-resistant, lightweight dress, with a jewel neckline, 3/4 sleeves, side-seam pockets, and a flattering drape, seamlessly blends comfort with classic style for easy business travel dressing.
3. Magellan’s Travel Easy Jacket at TravelSmith – This lightweight, wrinkle-resistant jacket, crafted for comfort with a shawl collar, open front, 3/4 sleeves, and side-seam pockets, is a practical and stylish essential for your travel wardrobe.
4. Tania Top at Anatomie – The Tania shirt, made with luxuriously soft Peruvian Pima cotton with a hint of stretch, offers an upgraded, comfortable button-down style that looks effortlessly polished whether worn alone or under a jacket.
5. The Skyler Travel Pant – This bestselling travel pant, meticulously tailored in ultra-light stretch fabric, offers a slim fit, mid-rise, a fly-front, and arrow-shaped belt loops, ensuring both comfort and style, enhanced by wrinkle resistance and an allover slimming effect.
6. No Iron Stretch 3/4 Sleeve Tunic at Chico’s – Achieve a polished yet relaxed business look with this no iron stretch 3/4 sleeve tunic, with a classic button-front style, a comfortable tunic cut, and the added convenience of wrinkle-free fabric.
7. Travelers Wide Leg Pocket Pants at Chico’s – Designed with wrinkle-resistant sustainable fabric, the Travelers Wide Leg Pocket Pants offer a clean-lined, flawless look, featuring a trendy wide leg shape, deep front pockets, and the convenience of a classic fit with a pull-on style.

Let’s take a look at clothing that not only meets the demands of corporate travel but does so with timeless elegance and confidence.

What to Look for in Travel Business Attire for Women Over 50

Choosing travel business attire involves a thoughtful blend of comfort, style, and practicality. Here are some key aspects to consider when curating a wardrobe for your journeys:

Comfort Is Key

Prioritize fabrics that offer comfort and ease of movement, especially during long flights or extended periods of travel. Look for breathable materials like cotton, jersey, or blends that keep you comfortable throughout your journey.

Versatility Matters

Opt for versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched to create different looks. This ensures you’re prepared for various business engagements without packing an excessive number of items. A well-coordinated capsule wardrobe can be both stylish and efficient.

Read THE CAPSULE WARDROBE – A MUST HAVE EVERY WOMAN SHOULD BE UTILIZING.

Wrinkle-Resistant Fabrics

Choose fabrics that resist wrinkles, such as wrinkle-resistant blends, or fabrics like jersey and knits. This helps you maintain a polished appearance, even after spending hours on a plane or attending meetings.

Classic Silhouettes

Invest in classic silhouettes that stand the test of time. Tailored blazers, well-fitted trousers, and timeless dresses contribute to a sophisticated look that transcends fashion trends.

Neutral Colors and Prints

Stick to a neutral color palette for your core pieces, as they are easy to mix and match. Incorporate subtle prints for added interest without being too overpowering. This ensures a polished and professional appearance.

Layering Options

Pack layering pieces such as cardigans or scarves to adapt to different climates. This not only adds a stylish touch to your outfit but also provides practical solutions for temperature changes.

Comfortable Footwear

Prioritize comfortable shoes suitable for both walking and professional settings. A pair of stylish yet comfortable flats or low heels is an essential addition to your travel wardrobe.

Functional Accessories

Invest in functional accessories like a durable yet stylish travel bag, which should be spacious enough for essentials and possibly a laptop. A versatile scarf or statement jewelry can boost your look without taking up much space.

Adaptability for Day-to-Night

Choose pieces that can easily transition from day to night. This adaptability ensures you’re ready for business meetings during the day and social events in the evening without the need for a complete wardrobe change.

Personal Style Expression

While adhering to professional standards, don’t forget to inject elements of your personal style into your attire. Whether it’s a signature accessory or a favorite color, let your individuality shine through.

Remember, the key is to strike a balance between professionalism and personal comfort, creating a travel business wardrobe that reflects both your expertise and your unique style.

Travel for Business in Style

Here are a few examples of travel business attire suitable for professional globe-trotting women over 50.

Reversible 3-Piece Travel Outfit at TravelSmith

Create various outfits by mixing and matching these soft, wrinkle-resistant pieces, featuring an open-front jacket with side slits and a square-neck tank that reverses from crosshatch print to solid black, paired with solid black pull-on pants with an elastic waist.

Magellan’s Travel Easy Dress at TravelSmith

Effortlessly pack and dress with this wrinkle-resistant, lightweight dress that combines comfort and classic style. Featuring a jewel neckline, 3/4 sleeves, side seam pockets, and a flattering drape, it’s a versatile choice for on-the-go business attire elegance.

Magellan’s Travel Easy Jacket at TravelSmith

Pair it with this lightweight, wrinkle-resistant jacket. Crafted for comfort, it serves as a versatile layering piece with a shawl collar, open front, 3/4 sleeves, and convenient side seam pockets. Made from a blend of 97% polyester and 3% spandex, this jacket is both practical and stylish. It’s an essential addition to your travel wardrobe for a seamless blend of comfort and classic elegance.

Tania Top at Anatomie

The Tania shirt is a comfortable button-down crafted from soft Peruvian Pima cotton with a hint of stretch, offering next-level ease and style that looks polished whether worn on its own or under a jacket.

The Skyler Travel Pant

Experience the epitome of travel comfort in this bestselling pant, meticulously tailored in ultra-light stretch fabric. With a slim fit, mid-rise, and full length, this pant has streamlining side panels, a fly-front with a button and snap closure, back patch pockets with designer seaming, and arrow-shaped belt loops with snap detail. Enjoy the added convenience of wrinkle resistance, and discover the undeniable allure of a slimming effect that makes these pants a must-have for every business trip.

No Iron Stretch 3/4 Sleeve Tunic at Chico’s

Stylishly blend business and comfort with this no-iron stretch 3/4 sleeve tunic. It features a classic cut button-front design and the relaxed feel of a tunic, all while maintaining a wrinkle-free appearance. Designed with roll cuffs and side slits for ease of wear, this top perfectly pairs with crops or pants, ensuring a pristine look without the worry of wrinkles.

Travelers Wide Leg Pocket Pants at Chico’s

Pair your tunic with The Travelers Wide Leg Pocket Pants, designed with wrinkle-resistant sustainable fabric for a clean-lined, flawless look. These travel-friendly bottoms feature a new flattering trendy wide-leg shape, deep front pockets, and the convenience of a classic fit, pull-on style.

As seasoned travelers, embracing timeless elegance becomes not just a choice but a reflection of the multifaceted women we are. From versatile separates to wrinkle-resistant ensembles, the art of dressing for success on the road combines the wisdom of experience with a touch of personal flair.

Read 3 EXCEPTIONALLY EASY WAYS TO STAY CHIC OVER 50.

Also read 6 BEST SENIOR TRAVEL GROUPS.

Let’s Have a Conversation:

Do you travel for work? What are your favorite things to pack when going on a business trip? Tell us about it in the comments below.