Age Concern Southland’s VR programme for seniors featured on RNZ

What if you could swim with dolphins, stroll through European cities, or revisit treasured memories – all without leaving your community?

That’s exactly what Age Concern Southland’s innovative Virtual Reality (VR) social engagement programme is making possible for older people across the region, and it’s now gaining national attention after being featured on RNZ’s Morning Report.

Age Concern Southland Manager Janette Turner recently spoke with John Campbell about the programme and the positive difference it’s making in the lives of older Southlanders.

Supported by Healthcare New Zealand, the initiative uses VR technology to create immersive, shared experiences that allow participants to explore destinations they may never have the opportunity to visit in person, while also revisiting meaningful places and memories from their past.

But the impact goes far beyond the headset.

The programme is helping spark conversations, strengthen friendships, and create meaningful social connections. Using the Rendever platform, participants experience virtual adventures together in small groups, sharing stories, laughter, and moments of discovery along the way.

For many older people, especially those living in rural communities, opportunities for social connection can be limited. By extending the programme across Southland, Age Concern is helping reduce barriers to engagement and creating new ways for people to connect with others and the world around them.

At Healthcare New Zealand, we believe innovation has the greatest impact when it brings people together. We’re proud to support Age Concern Southland in delivering this inspiring initiative and congratulate Janette, her team, and their volunteers on this well-deserved national recognition.

Listen to Janette’s RNZ interview to learn more about the programme and the difference it’s making for older Southlanders.