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The Abu Dhabi Department of Community Development (DCD) and the Family Development Foundation (FDF) have launched two digital-focused initiatives aimed at enhancing the digital reality of senior citizens and residents, providing them with a better quality of life, and Work hard to improve their mental health. The first is about digital cognitive rehabilitation, and the second is about virtual reality (VR). The department also collaborates with New York University (NYU) Abu Dhabi on the “Always Healthy” program to promote physical exercise.
These three initiatives are part of DCD’s comprehensive efforts to provide older people with the care and a decent life they need as part of a family’s quality of life strategy.
Regarding the Digital Cognitive Rehabilitation Program, His Excellency Dr. Bushra Al Mulla, Executive Director of the DCD Community Development Department, explained that the program is in line with the department’s efforts and family life quality strategy, and aims to give the elderly and residents full rights like any other social group. . Using social media is one of the daily practices of all members of society. Our role is to enable the elderly to use digital platforms to help them communicate effectively with their families and community members. We seek to activate the role of seniors in society and contribute to strengthening their connections with other community members.
Dr. Al Mulla pointed out that the first phase will last until December, with the goal of nearly 300 senior citizens and residents in Abu Dhabi, while the second phase aims to benefit more than 700 beneficiaries by 2022.
Regarding the VR plan, His Excellency Dr. Layla Alhyas, Executive Director of the DCD Social Monitoring and Innovation Department, said: “This plan is an extension of our efforts to improve services and design innovative solutions that meet social needs. Older people.”
Dr. Alhayas added: “We seek to use modern technology to meet the needs of different community groups. Today, we look forward to experimenting with VR technology to provide a pleasant and unique experience for the elderly. The researchers explained that the benefits of VR are not just entertainment , It also helps to improve physical and mental health and reduce loneliness.”
VR has applications in various fields, including but not limited to healthcare, rehabilitation, treatment, and education. An evaluation of the effectiveness of VR in older people in other parts of the world revealed the positive impact of the technology in improving the social and emotional health of older people.
In cooperation with the New York University Abu Dhabi Campus Behavioral System Design Center, DCD is implementing the “Always Fit” initiative, which aims to strengthen the physical activities of the elderly and residents and use behavioral stimuli to encourage them to incorporate physical activities into their daily lives. This helps the elderly People reduce stress, reduce the risk of chronic diseases and their complications, and improve their mental health.
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