Revolutionary Virtual Reality Technology Enlivens Senior Living Communities

Thu Dec 25 2025 10:59:09 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Residents of The Terraces in California are using virtual reality to reconnect with adventurous experiences, bridging generational divides and reducing social isolation.

In a breakthrough approach to enhancing the lives of seniors, the Terraces in Los Gatos, California, is introducing virtual reality (VR) technology to their community. Residents can now experience adventures such as swimming with dolphins and soaring through the skies all from the comfort of their home. This innovation not only helps reduce feelings of isolation but also encourages social interactions among residents, helping them engage in meaningful dialogue and shared experiences. Rendever, the company behind the VR programming, aims to utilize this technology to foster cognitive health and cherished memories, while also building connections between generations.

LOS GATOS, Calif. — The Terraces, a retirement community in California, is leveraging the power of virtual reality (VR) technology to reignite the adventurous spirits of its residents, many of whom are in their 80s and 90s. As they sit together, residents can temporarily escape their everyday realities, courtesy of VR headsets that transport them to far-off lands and exhilarating experiences.

Rendever, the company providing this technology, focuses on creating engaging VR experiences for older adults. In recent sessions, residents found themselves swimming with dolphins, exploring the ocean floor, and even taking virtual hot-air balloon rides, sparking laughter and joyful exclamations.

“It's hard to watch!” exclaimed one resident during a thrilling VR episode. Feedback from participants highlights how VR not only offers excitement but also serves as a valuable tool for social connection and cognitive stimulation.

Sue Livingstone, 84, emphasized how these experiences evoke cherished memories from their pasts, connecting them to places they haven’t seen in decades. The immersive visits can reignite conversations and foster bonds among the residents, as they share their experiences.

By reducing social isolation—the primary focus of a recent National Institutes of Health grant aimed at enhancing the lives of seniors—Rendever's technology has opened new avenues for engagement within senior living communities. VR experiences transform solitary moments into communal ones, acting as conversation starters and deepening connections.

Experts in aging emphasize that VR, when applied thoughtfully, can enrich the lives of seniors. As older adults navigate a world increasingly shaped by technology, VR remains an approachable and engaging medium for creating meaningful interactions.

“What really fascinates me about humans is just how much our brain depends on social connection and how much we learn from others,” said Kyle Rand, Rendever's CEO. The initiative not only exemplifies innovation in senior care but also encourages acceptance and enthusiasm for new technologies among older adults.