Virtual Reality Transports Seniors to New Adventures

Thu Dec 25 2025 10:38:25 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

The Terraces, a retirement community in Los Gatos, California, is using virtual reality technology to enhance the lives of its senior residents through immersive experiences that rekindle their adventurous spirits.

At The Terraces in California, residents in their 80s and 90s are rediscovering adventure through virtual reality headsets. Rendever's technology allows them to explore the world from their seats, combating loneliness and enriching their lives with immersive experiences. The VR sessions have become social catalysts, creating connections among the seniors as they share in these adventures.

LOS GATOS, Calif. — In a tranquil retreat nestled in Silicon Valley, The Terraces is redefining the retirement home experience by integrating virtual reality (VR) technology. As many of its residents advance in age and physical mobility decreases, the community has adopted VR headsets to transport these seniors to adventures they once enjoyed.

These immersive experiences allow residents—many in their 80s and 90s—to explore stunning landscapes, underwater worlds, or fly through the skies, all from the comfort of their armchairs. Rendever, the company behind the VR technology, tailors its programs specifically for older adults, aiming to combat isolation through shared experiences across over 800 retirement communities in North America.

During a recent session, some residents found themselves mimicking the motions of swimming alongside dolphins, reveling in the freedom of their virtual surroundings. “We got to go underwater and didn’t even have to hold our breath!” exclaimed 81-year-old Ginny Baird, clearly delighted by the experience.

The interactive nature of VR sessions has proven to be a conversation starter among residents, fostering connections as they bond over shared experiences. Adrian Marshall, community life director at The Terraces, noted how the initial curiosity one resident showed towards the VR headsets often leads to more participants wanting to join in.

Not only does this technology provide enjoyment, but it also serves as a mental stimulant. Studies indicate that VR can maintain and even enhance cognitive functions among seniors while facilitating connections with both peers and family members.

As Sue Livingstone, 84, reflected on a virtual trip to her childhood neighborhood in Queens, she stated, “It’s not just about seeing it again; it’s about the memories it brings back.” This emotional connection is vital for many seniors, creating opportunities to interact and reminisce.

Rendever recently received a substantial grant from the National Institutes of Health to further explore reducing social isolation among elderly individuals—a pressing issue in today’s society. By investing in technology that resonates with seniors, the hope is to create a supportive environment that encourages intergenerational bonding and shared adventures.

As VR technology evolves, it proves not only to be a source of entertainment but a potential tool for combating loneliness and enriching the lives of older adults. As they don their headsets, seniors at The Terraces are taking flights beyond their physical limitations, discovering new experiences and rekindling lost wanderlust.