All aboard! Virtual travel hits aged care homes

All aboard! Virtual travel hits aged care homes

At 11 am on a Tuesday, Rhonda and Rob Looney found themselves soaring above New York City in a virtual helicopter, experiencing a panoramic view of iconic landmarks like the One World Trade Centre, the Empire State Building, and Central Park. A holographic tour guide pointed out these sights while also sharing local trivia, such as the affordability of pizza by the slice in Manhattan. However, despite the immersive experience, the journey itself was entirely simulated. The couple were seated in a specially designed virtual travel room that resembled a train carriage, located within a mobile unit parked outside St Vincent’s Hospital’s Berengarra aged care facility in Kew, Melbourne. This innovative setup allows residents of aged care homes to embark on global adventures without leaving their chairs.

Since launching as a social enterprise two years prior, the Olive Express has conducted over 23,000 virtual journeys across more than 100 aged care homes throughout Australia. These experiences range from a train ride through the Swiss Alps to a boat cruise near Phoenix Ancient Town in China and a bus tour of London. For many residents, these virtual excursions provide a chance to revisit places they once traveled to or explore destinations they have always dreamed of visiting. Rhonda Looney shared how her husband, a retired plumber living with Alzheimer’s, enjoyed a virtual Tokyo train trip, commenting on how the city's skyline had changed since his youth. While Rob Looney found the New York helicopter tour unexciting, Rhonda thoroughly appreciated the experience.

Berengarra resident Tony Rainer, who has never visited New York or flown in a helicopter, described the session as "interesting." The concept behind the Olive Express originated from its founder, Che Turner, who credits inspiration from his late grandmother, Violet Olive. Turner spent ten years in England working as a chef for the royal family, during which time he frequently took train rides with Violet from their home in Windsor to cities like London, Oxford, and Bath. After returning to Brisbane in 2017, Turner pursued training in the aged care sector and eventually transitioned into management. It was during this period that he developed the idea for the Olive Express as a novel form of engagement for residents.

Working alongside his wife, Kim Chatterjee, Turner acquired an old delivery van and equipped it with four screens. Following successful pilot programs in Brisbane, major aged care providers such as Bupa began partnering with the initiative. Today, there are ten Olive Express units operating in Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne, with a growing demand reflected in the current waiting list. According to Turner, the fees paid by aged care companies go toward expanding the fleet rather than generating profits. He finds fulfillment in witnessing the positive impact on residents, describing the reward as "the joy I see on people’s faces, and in seeing people’s worlds open up."

Sarah Macdonald, the lifestyle coordinator at Berengarra, noted that the facility had scheduled two fully booked daily sessions for two consecutive weeks. She emphasized that the program offers a unique and engaging experience that fosters reminiscence, conversation, and social interaction among residents. However, not every participant finds the experience enjoyable—Macdonald mentioned that one attendee had to leave mid-session due to motion sickness, highlighting that the virtual travel is not suitable for everyone. Despite such challenges, the Olive Express continues to bring excitement and connection to aged care communities across Australia.

Looking ahead, the future of the Olive Express appears promising. With ongoing support from aged care providers and a strong community response, the initiative is likely to expand further. Turner’s vision includes increasing the number of vehicles and developing new virtual routes to cater to diverse interests. As technology advances, the potential for even more immersive and interactive experiences grows, offering residents continued opportunities to explore the world from the comfort of their care homes. The success of the Olive Express underscores the value of innovation in enhancing the quality of life for elderly individuals, ensuring that they remain engaged, stimulated, and connected to the broader world.