The Institute for Health, Ageing, Work and Technology (hat) has been cooperating with the Social Gerontology degree program for many years. This year, two students are dedicating themselves to a forward-looking research topic: the resilience of family caregivers.
Family caregivers play an essential role in society, but are often exposed to high levels of psychological and physical stress. The final thesis investigates whether VR-supported relaxation offers could be an effective method of reducing the stress experienced by relatives.
The aim of the research project is to analyze the use of VR technology to promote relaxation for family caregivers. By immersing themselves in virtual environments, users should experience relaxation and thus reduce their subjective stress levels. By using VR technology specifically as a relaxation tool, it could provide valuable support in everyday caregiving.
In this study, various virtual relaxation worlds are being tested, which should make it possible to escape from everyday life for a short time and recharge your batteries. The students are analyzing the effects of these VR experiences on the participants' perception of stress and mental stability. VR goggles from Granny Vision were provided for the project.
Such student work serves as preliminary studies on topics that will be dealt with at the GAT Institute in the future. These include research into VR goggles in care as well as heat plans and climate adaptation concepts for care facilities. In these exploratory projects, innovative approaches are being investigated in order to develop long-term sustainable solutions for the care sector.
The AAL laboratory t3://page?uid=19041#116171 of the Saxony5 transfer network https://saxony5.de also has VR glasses and enables family members, carers and senior citizens to get to know the technology and experience its potential. The research results thus flow into the transfer of knowledge and contribute to the further development of practical concepts. The topic is also closely linked to research in the WELLCARE project t3://page?uid=23799#124027, which deals with the resilience of family caregivers.
The research findings could open up new perspectives for supporting family caregivers in the long term. The GAT Institute continues to advocate innovative solutions and looks forward to the findings of this promising study.
