Seniors explore the Vatican using VR

Seniors gathered at the Active Ageing Centre in Ħal-Qormi on Friday morning to experience virtual reality (VR) technology.

Using the VR headsets, seniors virtually roamed through the Vatican and the ancient streets of Rome, along with other local landmarks such as St Peter’s Basilica.

Nenu Barbara, one of many to participate in the activity, said the technology allowed him to fly over the streets of Rome. 

“It feels like you are in the air, everything is so close and I can see all the houses and the streets,” exclaimed the 80-year-old.

The initiative was especially popular among seniors unable to travel, according to Active Ageing Parliamentary Secretary Malcolm Paul Agius Galea. 

Antonia Psaila, known to her friends as Nina, was another of a handful to use the headset.

“The glasses showed me inside the Cospicua church,” said Nina. “I saw the Madonna (statue), it was so beautiful.”

She said she would like to use the headset again, this time to visit the Vatican, since she has never been able to see it in person.

Other attendees took part in immersive activities like scuba diving. 

More people will be able to try the technology in upcoming public demonstrations being held near the Vittoriosa market on April 15 and in St Paul’s Square in Rabat on April 26.

The headsets are part of a popular initiative aimed to promote active ageing by offering the elderly experiences that reduce social isolation, stimulate cognitive function, and support rehabilitation. 

“This investment gave seniors new opportunities to remain active, independent, and connected to their communities,” said Permanent Secretary Renzo Degabriele.

As of last year, the VR initiative was only offered to seniors living in residential homes. However, the project will now be extended across all 36 Active Ageing Centres, allowing more people to use the technology.

Active Ageing and Community Care is also undergoing preparations to renovate their Centre in Ħad-Dingli, with new centres opening in Ħaż-Żabbar and Ħaż-Żebbuġ.