Innovative Aging Episode 9: Live Virtual Travel: Can It Drive Motivation, Interest, and Engagement?

Tricia Norton, cofounder of Discover Live, joins host Carol Chiang for a dynamic conversation on the power of live virtual travel experiences. Together, they explore how this innovative platform can break down barriers to meaningful participation, especially for individuals with mobility, cognitive, or sensory challenges. You’ll hear compelling stories, practical clinical insights, and new ways to think about using virtual travel to spark motivation and support occupational engagement. Are you curious how live guided tours offer more than prerecorded alternatives? Let’s find out together.Learning OutcomesAnalyze the evidence around the impact of virtual travel experiences on social participation, cognitive performance, and occupational engagement among individuals with mobility or sensory limitationsDetermine the situations in which live, guided virtual travel provides the most benefit compared to asynchronous or prerecorded alternatives, especially in the context of intergenerational engagement, dementia care, or sensory-based interventionsSolve patient case scenarios involving occupational isolation due to physical, cognitive, or contextual barriers by integrating virtual travel into individualized care plans to promote meaningful participation and life satisfactionTimestamps(00:00:00) Welcome(00:00:05) Transforming travel for all(00:04:52) The power of virtual experiences(00:06:30) The value of travel in later life(00:11:18) The future of travel: accessibility and engagement(00:13:43) Intergenerational connections through travel(00:16:05) Heritage travel and ancestry tours(00:19:48) Hybrid travel experiences(00:25:01) Addressing budget concerns in travel(00:27:32) Unexpected outcomes of virtual travel(00:30:07) Cultural awareness through exploration(00:31:47) Engagement and curiosity in virtual travel(00:35:29) Interactive learning and memory enhancement(00:37:31) Integrating culinary experiences in travel(00:41:22) Choosing the right travel experience for patients(00:45:09) Sensory diet and tailored experiences(00:48:48) Key takeaways for cliniciansInnovative Aging is brought to you by Medbridge. If you’d like to earn continuing education credit for listening to this episode and access bonus takeaway handouts, log in to your Medbridge account and navigate to the course where you’ll find accreditation details. If applicable, complete the post-course assessment and survey to be eligible for credit. The takeaway handout on Medbridge gives you the key points mentioned in this episode, along with additional resources you can implement into your practice right away.If you’d like to subscribe to Medbridge, visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.medbridge.com/pricing/