VIRTUAL
AQUARIUM
Phone: 0407 720 554
The benefits of virtual aquariums
Reduced Stress
The colours, motion and sounds can serve as a form of therapy to relax the resident. Studies have shown that viewing an aquarium can reduce stress and lower diastolic blood pressure in the elderly (Beck and Katcher, 1981; Riddick 1985).
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Improved Socialisation in Care Facilities
In a study conducted on the impact of aquariums in an elderly care facility, DeSchriver and Riddick (1990) noted "that each viewer of the Aquarium took particular interest in one or two fish and was often overheard conversing with others between sessions about these favourite fish. It became apparent to the investigators that the fish acted as a social lubricant.
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Aid in helping with dementia
Researchers at Purdue University have shown that seniors suffering from Alzheimer's disease consumed more food, had an increase in body weight and required fewer nutritional supplements when an aquarium was placed in a care facilities' dining room
(Edwards and Beck 2002)
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References
University of Exeter July 29,2015. Aquariums deliver Health and Wellbeing benefits. Beck, A. M. and A. H. Katcher, A. H. 1984.A new look at pet-facilitated therapy. J. Amer. Vet. Med. Ass. 184:414-421.
DeSchriver, M.M. and C. C. Riddick. 1990. Effects of watching aquariums on elders' stress. Anthrozoos 4 (1):44-48.
Edwards, N. E. and A. M. Beck. 2002. Animal Assisted Therapy and Nutrition in Alzheimer's Disease. West. J. Nursing Res. 24 (6): 697-712.
Riddick, C. C. 1985. Health, aquariums, and the non-institutionalized elderly. In M. B. Susman (Ed.), Pets and the Family (pp. 163-173). New York: Haworth.
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