Virtual Reality Takes Seniors on Unforgettable Journeys

Thu Dec 25 2025 09:57:08 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Seniors at The Terraces in Los Gatos, California, experience the thrill of adventure through virtual reality, enhancing mental health and social connections.

Residents at The Terraces, a retirement community in Los Gatos, California, are using virtual reality technology from Rendever to relive their adventurous pasts. Through curated VR experiences, seniors are finding joy and enhancing social ties as they virtually explore the depths of the ocean or float in hot air balloons. With studies supporting the positive effects of VR on cognitive functions, this innovation is bridging the gap between isolation and connection for older adults, proving that age is just a number when it comes to exploring new technology.

Residents of The Terraces, a serene retirement community in Los Gatos, California, are embracing the exhilarating world of virtual reality (VR). Although many of them are in their 80s and 90s, the technology allows them to embark on virtual adventures that spark memories and joy.

Curated by Rendever, a company dedicated to improving cognitive functions and social interactions among seniors, these VR sessions transport residents from swimming with dolphins to soaring high in hot air balloons. We got to go underwater and didn’t even have to hold our breath! 81-year-old Ginny Baird exclaimed after a recent session.

The technology is designed not only for entertainment but also as a means to alleviate social isolation—an issue that affects a significant number of older adults. Rendever’s programs create opportunities for shared experiences, often becoming conversation starters among residents. As one resident, Sue Livingstone, reflected, It isn’t just about being able to see it again; it’s about all the memories that it brings back.

Rendever has garnered attention and funding from the National Institutes of Health to explore ways to further combat feelings of isolation among elderly individuals and their caregivers. What fascinates me about humans is how dependent our brains are on social connection, said Rendever CEO Kyle Rand. A group of elderly residents who don’t really know each other can come together for a VR experience, and suddenly, they are engaging with one another over lunch afterward.

Experts in aging suggest that VR technologies like Rendever’s can enhance cognitive functions and improve the mental well-being of seniors when used mindfully. Katherine Dupuis, a neuropsychologist, states, If you use it cautiously and with purpose, it can be incredibly beneficial. It creates meaningful engagement for the elderly.

The success of VR in enhancing lives at The Terraces illustrates a growing recognition of the need for innovative solutions to address aging challenges, debunking the stereotype that older adults shy away from technological advancements. As residents eagerly embrace VR, they are reminded that adventure and exploration are never out of reach—no matter their age.