Tafta launches VR empathy platform for age-friendly care

A locally-produced digital platform that offers users a first-hand idea of what it feels like to live with problems the elderly face, has been launched by The Association for The Aged (Tafta) for use outside of the organisation. The Virtual Reality Empathy Platform (VREP) allows caregivers, health professionals, care teams and environment designers to step into the lived reality of older people experiencing sensory, cognitive and physical challenges. “Dementia and ageing affect more than memory or mobility — they touch every aspect of daily life,” said Tafta CEO Femada Shamam.

VREP allows professionals to experience these realities first-hand, turning empathy into actionable insight. Social worker Analisa Naidoo said experiencing the simulation firsthand was deeply impactful. “Experiencing the visual impairment of glaucoma together with the effects of dementia was an emotional experience for me,” said Naidoo. The VREP programme will be available through corporate workshops facilitated by Tafta consultants.