The IDEA Lab at the University of British Columbia is using Sound Off™ silent disco headphones in a truly innovative way, bringing joy and well-being to a very special group of people.

An intergenerational community with shared values, The IDEA Lab (Innovation and DEmentia care and Aging) works towards improving care and support for dementia patients and their caregivers. 

In their current Silent Disco Project, IDEA Lab researchers are examining how silent disco parties can enhance the quality of life for residents in long-term care facilities. In addition to wireless Sound Off headphones, seniors in the study wear biosensor rings which provide physiological data for each individual.

The Silent Disco Project consists of ten 30-minute silent disco sessions conducted over a six-week period. The participants can choose from two audio channels on their headphones, one streaming English disco music and one streaming classic Chinese tunes.

From these silent disco sessions, data is collected through questionnaires regarding level of silent disco technology acceptance, quality of life, and subjective happiness. Heart rate variability information is also collected through the biosensor rings.

During and after each silent disco party, researchers conduct qualitative ethnographic observations and conversational interviews in addition to holding staff focus groups before and after the study.

The Silent Disco Project is still currently in the data analysis phase. However, it’s clear that the silent disco parties were very well received by the participants, who thoroughly enjoyed the nostalgic music and crystal-clear audio as they joyfully moved to the beat on the dance floor. 

Another wonderful benefit is the sense of connection made among the participants while wearing silent disco headphones during these immersive experiences. This suggests that silent disco technology can address loneliness and foster a feeling of true togetherness for patients with dementia.

If you’d like to explore more about research using silent disco headphones for dementia patients and elder care, check out our Sound Off Silver experience.