Hundreds Participated in Augmented Reality Demonstrations at Philadelphia Flower Show

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Mar 12, 2018, 03:38 ET

PHILADELPHIA, March 12, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- This weekend at the Philadelphia Flower Show, over 500 event-goers participated in a new AARP augmented reality (AR) experience. The enhanced version of reality allowed attendees to use a tablet to view and interact with computer images of an animated game aimed at a wall of the AARP Block Party exhibit.

Few older adults have used virtual reality and many are unfamiliar with augmented reality, according to recent research from AARP. Over six in ten adults have never heard of augmented reality and very few have tried it. Adults in their 50s are more likely to have heard of AR than those over 60. Adults age 50-59 are the most likely to have tried or own a device, but adoption is still small.

"I'd never heard of AR and here I am playing with it. It was a surprising experience and really fun," said Marge Chance of West Philadelphia. "Now I can brag to my kids that I'm more advanced than they are with AR and that I'm a 'gamer.' They'll get a kick out of it."

"Augmented reality experiences largely show up in the gaming industry, so it's exciting to see AARP offer this experience to the 50+ community," stated Bill Johnston-Walsh, AARP PA State Director. "Video games are truly ageless. Those of us 50 and older play them for the same reasons everyone else does. They're fun, enhance our digital skills, and can help us prevent social isolation."

A 2016 AARP survey conducted with the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) found that 41 million Americans age 50 and older — that is one in three — play on a regular basis. Three-fourths of them play weekly, and four in 10 play daily. And, among players age 60 and older, 43 percent play video games every day.

The AARP Block Party exhibit also offered other interactive activities such as a social media art mosaic photo activation, a prize wheel and a wishing well, where attendees tossed specially-designed AARP coins. For every coin that was thrown into the wishing well, a donation was made to the William Way LGBT Community Center based in Philadelphia.

AARP donated $5,000 to the William Way LGBT Community Center. William Way was selected because it shatters stereotypes about aging, challenges outdated beliefs and sparks new solutions that help the LGBT community in the Greater Philadelphia region.

The Philadelphia Flower Show is held annually and attracts over 250,000 visitors to the Pennsylvania Convention Center. The Philadelphia Flower Show, a top destination and "must experience" horticultural event, is a showcase of excellence that dates back to 1829.

About AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of nearly 38 million that helps people turn their goals and dreams into 'Real Possibilities' by changing the way America defines aging. With staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, AARP works to strengthen communities and promote the issues that matter most to families such as healthcare security, financial security and personal fulfillment. AARP also advocates for individuals in the marketplace by selecting products and services of high quality and value to carry the AARP name. As a trusted source for news and information, AARP produces the world's largest circulation magazine, AARP The Magazine and AARP Bulletin. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to political campaigns or candidates. To learn more, visit www.aarp.org or follow @aarp and our CEO @JoAnn_Jenkins on Twitter.

CONTACT: Jacklyn Isasi
(609) 902-6242, [email protected]

SOURCE AARP Pennsylvania