News | Tuesday, 20th June 2023
Harnessing virtual reality to enhance the wellbeing of elderly residents in Nigerian care homes
Dr. Salihu Dasuki recently secured a seed corn grant from the Business Transformations Research Centre at Manchester Metropolitan University. His research aims to unlock the potential of virtual reality in empowering older adults living in care homes, with his recent fieldwork based in Nigeria.
Dr. Salihu Dasuki, a Senior Lecturer in Business Information Systems, recently secured a seed corn grant from the Business Transformations Research Centre at Manchester Metropolitan University. His research aims to unlock the potential of virtual reality in empowering older adults living in care homes, enriching their social connections and nurturing their psychological wellbeing.
The seed corn grant enabled Dr. Dasuki to immerse himself in the heart of Nigeria and the vibrant city of Lagos, which has the highest number of older people in Nigeria. However, Lagos faces challenges such as insufficient care and support for older Nigerians, the HIV/AIDS epidemic, extreme poverty, socioeconomic disparities, and the decline in traditional care and support, which have together exacerbated the situation. While care homes have increased in Lagos, many lack the necessary resources to provide adequate support, highlighting the need for specific interventions to care for and protect older adults.
Dr. Dasuki explores innovative solutions that can support and enhance the wellbeing of the elderly population in Nigeria. Particularly, he investigates how VR can provide immersive experiences that promote physical, cognitive, and social activity among older adults. Conducting the research with a group of elderly residents of a private care home, Dr. Dasuki observed how their faces lit up with sheer delight as they were transported to distant lands in the VR park. Some danced with newfound freedom in a virtual afrobeat concert venue created for them, while others embarked on sacred religious pilgrimages in the virtual world. The technology enabled the elderly individuals to rekindle their youthful spirits, shattering the limitations of age and physical constraints, and boosting their wellbeing.
"I felt like I was dancing on air, my worries melting away," exclaimed one of the care home residents.
The care home manager also expressed gratitude for the research, stating, "Dr Dasuki's research has opened new doors for our residents, bringing happiness and vitality back into their lives."
Dr. Dasuki's research at Manchester Metropolitan University showcases his commitment to pushing boundaries and embracing innovative solutions. It also demonstrates the potential for virtual reality to pave the way for transformative experiences, empowering the elderly to lead fulfilling lives. Findings from this fieldwork will be presented in June 2023 at the 8th International XR-Metaverse Conference, and Salihu is also working on publishing the results in the Journal of Health Service Research, a 3-star ABS ranked paper.
