Embodied Labs

Embodied Labs is a virtual reality experience that simulates age-related diseases, conditions, and social situations like Alzheimer’s Disease, Lewy Body Dementia, Parkinson’s Disease, Social Isolation, Visual and Hearing Loss, and End-of-Life Conversations. These virtual reality simulations offer learners a better understanding of the challenges faced by some older adults. Accordingly, this experience unlocks a deeper level of empathy for those experiencing these conditions.

The Iowa-GWEP uses Embodied Labs both in the classroom and the community. At the University of Iowa, nursing students are using this technology as part of their clinical practicum. Our partner, the Oklahoma City Veterans Administration Health Care System, offers these simulations to a variety of clinical and non-clinical learners. Participants have shared how the feelings of helplessness, frustration, isolation, and confusion they experienced in the simulations greatly enhanced their level of empathy.

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