This training improves the emotional well-being of elderly people, promoting relaxing behaviour and reducing emotional distress, at the same time preserving the ties between users at the centre and their families and reinforcing positive experiences.

Users do not need to wear virtual reality goggles during the sessions, as the MK360+ immersive reality projector from the Catalan company Broomx allows any room to be transformed into a different environment by projecting images onto the walls and ceiling, creating a highly stimulating immersive visual sensation and  allowing interaction with the different programmes via a mobile app. Activities consist of projecting videos that each show a significant and iconic place in Barcelona, making up a route around the city: the neighbourhood of Sant Andreu, the Sagrada Família, La Pedrera, the Palau de la Música and Park Güell. The activity also offers experiences in familiar or unknown outdoor settings, such as mountains or behind the wheel of a car.

Extensive programme to improve quality of life for elderly residents

The project is party of a broader programme designed to address the problems posed by the pandemic for elderly people, implemented in various homes and day centres for the elderly. Users can enjoy music therapy sessions with the organisation Música i Alzheimer, activities to bring the city’s museums into closer contact with residents by the organisation Apropa Cultura, dance with La Dansa s’Apropa or go out for a bike ride with the adapted bicycles of Bicis sense edat.

The various activities in the programme help to improve the quality of life of elderly residents, lifting their spirits, promoting communication, boosting interpersonal relationships, facilitating learning, movement and expression, giving them a sense of belonging and strengthening ties, as well as their connection with their surroundings. Family participation has also been introduced, fostering involvement in the dynamics of the activity and personal interaction.