Have you taken our introductory classes in virtual reality and you're ready for some exciting new adventures? Well, we've got just the ticket for you. Bring your passport and check these off your bucket list.

We have added three new classes in 2024 at our intermediate level. If you have already taken "Nature Treks" or "Ocean Rift," you're now invited to explore the "7 Wonders of the World," attend a concert virtually or, if you have a need for speed, attend our "Adventures in VR" class "For Thrill Seekers Only."

After researching the emerging use of virtual reality in health care, in October 2022 the District launched “Adventures in VR,” teaching digital literacy and helping older adults get up to speed on the latest technology while having fun, meeting people and sharing experiences as a group. Since that time, more than 300 people have participated in virtual reality classes, with an age range of 22-94, and 96 percent responded in a survey that they “strongly” enjoyed the experience.

Studies have shown VR can improve quality of life and a sense of well-being in older adults by reducing loneliness, addressing depression and reducing barriers to socialization through common experiences, particularly important during re-emergence from the isolation of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Sign up for one of our "Adventures in VR" classes by calling 805-388-1952. Intermediate classes are $10 each (non-District residents add $4).

VR CONCERT SERIES:

Join us for an opportunity to rock or mellow out, get down, or go country during a concert in Horizon Worlds or YouTube. Pick your genre, favorite band or singer, and experience an intimate concert that only virtual reality can provide.  This is an intermediate class. You must have taken the introductory class "Nature Treks" or "Ocean Rift" to join. We’ll discuss the benefits of VR and participate in a post-survey, chat about our experiences and document our travel adventures in our Adventures in VR passport. Call 805-388-1952 to join our interest list or have the concert experience during Independent Adventures in VR from 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, May 8; or 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, June 25.

FOR THRILL SEEKERS ONLY:

Buckle up! This one is for people who don't experience motion sickness easily. Thrill seekers are invited go on a roller coaster ride, skydiving or stand at the brink of a cliff while looking at the horizon in several National Parks in three different VR applications: Roller Coaster, YouTube and BRINK Traveler. This is an intermediate class. You must have taken the introductory class "Nature Treks" or "Ocean Rift" to join. We’ll discuss the benefits of VR and participate in a post-survey, chat about our experiences and document our travel adventures in our Adventures in VR passport. Call 805-388-1952 to join our interest list or have the experience during Independent Adventures in VR from 10-11 a.m. Wednesday, May 8; or 10-11 a.m. Tuesday, June 25..

UNDERWATER ADVENTURES:

11 a.m.-12 p.m. Tuesday, April 9

After taking one of our introductory VR classes, join our intermediate class Underwater Adventures. Choose an underwater scene, including scuba diving in the Philippines, the Great Barrier Reef in Australia or swimming with dolphins in the Pacific Ocean. This will be an active, immersive experience. We’ll discuss the benefits of VR, chat about our experiences and document our travels in our Adventures in VR passport.

SCENIC HOT AIR BALLOON TOURS:

10-11 a.m. Tuesday, May 7

Take a hot air balloon ride over the Swiss Alps, Kenya or some other breathtaking destination. This is an intermediate level class. You must have taken the introductory class “Nature Treks” or “Ocean Rift” to join. We’ll discuss the benefits of VR and participate in a post-survey, chat about our experiences and document our
travel adventures in our Adventures in VR passport.

7 WONDERS OF THE WORLD:

11 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Tuesday, April 23, and Wednesday, April 24.

Visit the 7 Wonders of the World in VR: The Colosseum in Rome; The Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal in India; Christ the Redeemer in Brazil; Machu Picchu, Peru; Chichen Itza, Mexico; and Petra, Jordan.  This is an intermediate class. You must have taken the introductory class "Nature Treks" or "Ocean Rift" to join. In this two-part class, we’ll discuss the benefits of VR and participate in a post-survey, chat about our experiences and document our travel adventures in our Adventures in VR passport.