James Bylinsky

My work focuses on using Virtual Reality (VR) to treat loneliness in elderly patients undergoing long treatments in hospitals by connecting them with loved one's. This is done through creating VR environments using Blender and Unity that are used to interact with loved ones anywhere around the world. VR was invented in the 1960s, and since then has been utilized primarily in entertainment such as Nintendo’s Virtual Boy system or inspiring films like the Wachowski’s 1999 classic The Matrix. VR has also been shown to be helpful in the medical field, for example in treating PTSD through virtual exposure therapy. When elderly patients undergo long treatments they suffer from social isolation and loneliness. The typical outcomes of long-lasting social isolation are diminished cardiovascular health and major depression. These severe health concerns  represent a pressing need for evidence-based interventions to address loneliness in the elderly. So far my work has focused on creating VR environments. My research question is: How can the immersion/effectiveness of three dimensional virtual environments be innovated/improved upon as it pertains to psychiatry? I crafted immersive environments in which patients and family members can meet. The aim is to enhance emotional well-being and reduce feelings of isolation in the elderly. I created objects (like trees and animals) in Blender, created full environments in Unity, and in the near future patients will use the environments on a program called Engage. Our study highlights the potential of immersive VR environments in enhancing the quality of life for elderly patients by mitigating loneliness through virtual interactions. The study underscores the significance of incorporating technology-driven interventions in healthcare to address social isolation and improve emotional well-being in vulnerable populations.