“We got a real impression of being there, but we couldn’t collect any sand!” Jacqueline, 95, has a laughing look. This unborn man just took part for the second time in the “A Place to Escape” event that was held from July 19-30 by La Fleur-de-Line headquarters in Landerneau. During the workshops, residents wear virtual reality glasses that take them around the world for six to ten minutes. On Monday, July 26, Tasmania (Australia) was on display. But Jacqueline preferred to discover the Grand Canyon (USA) because “the landscape was more beautiful.” Marie Antoinette, 89, abounds in abundance: “I loved the vegetation but we are used to the rocks and the sea in Brittany. The first time I saw Egypt where I had never been before. It was exceptional because I found all the monuments luxurious.”
‘They ask for more’
In all, 46 of the 115 or so residents, aged between 60 and 99, will benefit from these virtual trips to La Fleur de lin. In addition to Tasmania, the Grand Canyon and Egypt, seniors will be able to discover traditional Japan and the blossoming of cherry trees, the gondolas of Venice, the city and Lake Annecy, as well as the fauna of the world.
The activity is innovative and curious. The residents are really happy and some of them are surprised because we really believe in it.
They will also be able to take part in African safaris and swim with dolphins. This last suggestion was favored by Jean-Louis, 74 – who has come to the workshops four times – because, in his view, “technology is more suitable for motion than still images”. Anyway, “The activity is innovative and weird. Residents are really happy and some of them are surprised because we really believe in it. They are asking for more,” explains Melanie Healy, curator and facilitator.
Total 360° immersion
The young woman was given a bag containing six virtual reality headsets, offering full 360-degree immersion and a tablet that allows her to guide participants, through explanations, in this visual and auditory experience. In each of the ten workshops, lasting about half an hour, six graduates are welcomed into the living room of the Domitys residence. After watching it is time to discuss their feelings. There are those who say to me, ‘If we can keep the bag, it will be fine! ”, reports the host. Some return “because they really liked” this unique find, sometimes reminding them of their travel memories.
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