Older Adults Use VR to Tackle Social Isolation
Residents at Castle Argyle, a senior living community in the Hollywood Hills, recently participated in a virtual reality session simulating a visit to the Greek island of Santorini. The activity followed a routine afternoon programme and formed part of a pilot initiative introducing immersive technology to older adults in shared living environments.
During the session, residents remained seated while wearing headsets that displayed panoramic views of coastal cliffs, whitewashed buildings and the Aegean Sea. Staff members assisted participants by adjusting the equipment and leading them through the experience, including instructing them to turn their heads to observe specific landmarks such as a historic fortress. After the session, residents discussed the elements they found most memorable, including the ocean’s colour and the setting.
The programme at Castle Argyle was developed to encourage social interaction between the residents who may otherwise experience limited engagement. Organisers stated that shared virtual experiences can help create opportunities for conversation and connection, particularly among individuals who may lack regular social contact.
Social isolation among older adults has been linked to major health risks. Studies have indicated that prolonged loneliness can have an effect on mortality comparable to smoking up to 15 cigarettes per day. It has also been associated with a 50 per cent increased risk of developing dementia and a 32 per cent increased risk of stroke.
Virtual reality programmes have been introduced in care settings as one approach to tackling these concerns. In addition to recreational use, some applications are incorporated into physical therapy, particularly for people recovering from strokes. The technology allows users to navigate environments using natural head and body movements, making it accessible to those with limited mobility. Sessions are typically brief, often lasting less than ten minutes, to reduce the likelihood of discomfort such as nausea or eye strain.
An eight-week pilot programme conducted at Castle Argyle and two other senior communities found that most participants reported reduced sensations of loneliness and increased social connection following repeated virtual reality sessions. The findings indicated that immersive environments can stimulate interaction and shared discussion among occupants.
Research conducted at Stanford University’s Virtual Human Interaction Lab has examined the effects of virtual environments on mood and social behaviour. Observations from this work suggest that short, shared experiences, such as virtual walks or scenic tours, can prompt conversations and recollections, thereby fostering more active social engagement among those present.
At Plymouth Village, a senior living community located east of Castle Argyle, residents participated in a separate online session simulating a hike through Glacier National Park. Participants used mobility aids, including walkers and oxygen equipment, during the event. The experience featured views of wildflowers, forested areas and mountain paths, and prompted participants to recall past outdoor activities and travel experiences.
The platform also enabled residents to revisit familiar locations using integrated mapping tools. One participant used the feature to display a former home in Angelus Oaks, an unincorporated area within the San Bernardino National Forest, and described key locations from her past, including a garden, a school building and a family-run restaurant. The activity allowed other residents to engage with these personal histories in a shared setting.
Virtual reality systems are also used in memory care units, stroke rehabilitation centres and cancer clinics. One provider reported that its headsets have been deployed across approximately 800 living facilities and outpatient clinics in the United States. Some programmes include structured content, such as multi-part series featuring well-known travel routes.
In 2025, the United States Department of Veterans Affairs began offering virtual reality tools in hospitals, where clinicians may prescribe their use to support the management of conditions including post-traumatic stress disorder, social isolation and cognitive decline. The approach is meant to help patients manage symptoms in care settings and at home.
The cost of virtual reality programming is generally covered by care providers, with residents not charged directly and insurance not typically involved. Although broader adoption is occurring, participation levels vary within communities. Staff have observed that a consistent group of residents tends to engage in organised activities, while others remain less involved and may require additional encouragement.
For participants, the technology provides access to experiences that may no longer be physically possible due to mobility limitations, while also supporting interaction and shared engagement within the community environment.
