Inspiring Story: Karen Birbeck Gets Social in Virtual Reality 

When Karen Birbeck (age 69) isn’t volunteering at her County Democratic Headquarters, working on fiber arts, taking a Senior Planet class online or teaching a class to her fellow older adults (she just put together a one-hour lecture on the history of yarn for a local senior center), you can find her exploring various planets in the virtual reality game, No Man’s Sky. 

We caught up with Karen to hear about how seniors can get social, stretch their creativity and workout both their brain and bodies by entering the world of virtual reality (click here to watch Senior Planet’s introductory lecture on VR).  

When did you get into gaming and virtual reality? 

In 2020, my son brought over his VR headset. I thought it was fascinating, but thought that I had no use for it since I wasn’t a gamer. Still, I tried it on and gave the music-based game Beat Saber a go. I was immediately hooked, having no idea it was also good exercise! 

That November, I got my first headset. I knew that none of my local friends had a headset too so we couldn’t game together, but what I didn’t know was that my very good friend who lived in Tennessee, totally off-grid, had one too! I’m about to be 70, she’s 75. We’ve been on this journey together for four years.  

Every Saturday, we have our playdate on No Man’s Sky and every Thursday night, I know where she is. She is in VR, playing mini-golf with her sister and her brother-in-law.  

What do you get out of gaming? 

It’s a creative outlet. It’s social. It’s immersive. Certainly, there’s escapism – if you’re having a tough day you can go in there and blow things up if you want. I always have “conflict” turned off – but you can play it where you’re constantly getting attacked by aliens. Then there’s the feeling of accomplishment when you figure out something new. 

Why should more seniors give gaming a try? 

If you can find a game that interests you, gaming is a good brain exercise because you’re learning something new. VR takes that to another level. VR can be used to address isolation and depression. It’s being used for pain therapy.  Exercise too – it’s beyond your mind, it’s your whole body. 

What equipment does someone need to explore the world of gaming? 

There are stand-alone headsets that don’t require anymore than basic internet access. For the more elaborate setups you need either very good internet access or a gaming computer or both. (You can always visit a Senior Planet center to try out a VR headset before buying one yourself!) 

What does aging with attitude mean to you? 

Owning it – not avoiding it! Be proud that you made it this long and find a way to share what you’ve learned over the past 50 or so years. 

Pam Hugi is Senior Planet’s Community and Advocacy Manager. Based in Brooklyn, she is a contributing writer for this site.