A Manassas startup is helping older adults prevent loneliness — with virtual reality

As a recent graduate of George Washinton University (GW), Carleigh Berryman was surprised to learn how prominent anxiety, depression and suicide rates are among older adults. But it wasn’t until she realized that her own grandmother was struggling that she wanted to help — and learned that virtual reality might be the key.

“It just seemed obvious,” Berryman told Technical.ly. “Why not use this technology to bring the world to people like my grandmother?”

So, with an initial $5,000 from a GW pitch competition in hand, she created Vita Vita in 2019 to see what virtual reality could do for this population, Now, the four-person startup is based out of the Virginia Serious Gaming Institute at George Mason University in Prince William County, Virginia and works with over 200 customers nationwide. For seniors aged 55 to over 100, Vita Vita delivers an all-in-one virtual reality kit that works as soon as it arrives and includes detailed instructions on how to use the technology. Built with Unity, Vita Vita also develops experiences, games, puzzles and more for those looking to try something new or who might not be physically able to leave their house.

In addition to helping seniors feel more connected, immersive technology can also help with brain health and promote neuroplasticity and cognition.

“Their world can sometimes get really small and feel stifling,” Berryman said. “So they’re very eager to not only see new things in virtual reality but just to learn about new technology, learn about something new.”

Though there is some hesitation about having something so close to their face, Berryman said many seniors are encouraged to try VR since many of their grandchildren are using and talking about it.

In June, Vita Vita received a $75,000 Commonwealth Commercialization Fund grant from the Virginia Innovation Partnership Corporation and an IGNITE Startup Grant in 2021.

The company also recently partnered with Waya Health to bring the technology to healthcare providers. In healthcare, Berryman said VR does a great job at stimulating the brain by forcing it to adapt to a new environment, thus firming up cognitive pathways. It also helps brains stay active and make connections.

“Overall our goals for the business are to deliver this powerful technology to really anyone that says they feel trapped or that this technology could benefit,” Berryman said.

For those seeking community, Vita Vita also offers a group option in its work with healthcare providers. About 10 seniors can sit down in the same room, put on headsets and tour a new virtual location together. They can also do group puzzles or games. Berryman said it’s also used in physical therapy — encouraging people to reach out and point at animals, for example, to get the body moving.

Doing these experiences together with VR, Berryman said, can help seniors feel less alone while also breaking down generational gaps by expanding tech use.

“We really want to create a world where older adults can live life to the fullest, whether that’s through virtual reality or other technologies, and a world in which we can all just respect one another and value what each other can bring to the table,” Berryman said.