Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Our research has found that virtual reality is generally safe and well tolerated by older adults, including many people living with dementia. Senior-focused VR programs use seated experiences, guided sessions, and carefully selected content designed for comfort and accessibility. As with any activity, sessions should be supervised and adapted to individual needs. Learn more about our Research.

Virtual reality provides immersive experiences that can support engagement, emotional well-being, social connection, and meaningful activity. Older adults can explore nature, revisit familiar places, experience travel destinations, and participate in reminiscence-based activities that encourage conversation and storytelling. For many participants, VR offers opportunities for enjoyment and experiences that may no longer be easily accessible in everyday life. Read more about Virtual Reality for Seniors.

Virtual reality is not a treatment or cure for dementia, but our own research suggests it can support engagement, emotional well-being, reminiscence, and social interaction. Familiar environments, calming nature scenes, and meaningful experiences may help stimulate conversation, encourage participation, and create positive moments for people living with dementia when used as part of a supportive care approach. Learn more about virtual reality for dementia engagement.

Many older adults enjoy virtual experiences that are familiar, relaxing, and meaningful. Popular experiences include nature environments, travel destinations, cultural landmarks, music-based content, seasonal experiences, and reminiscence-focused journeys that connect to personal memories and life experiences. The most successful experiences are often those that reflect an individual's interests, history, and preferences.

No. Motion sickness in VR is not linked to age. In fact, many older adults have reduced vestibular sensitivity, which can make them less likely to experience motion-related discomfort. In our research and field use, we have not observed any increased risk of VR motion sickness among seniors compared to younger users. caregiVR experiences are specifically designed with stable visual references to reduce disorientation and minimize vestibular stress. All of our experiences have been vetted and rated by clinicians and VRec Therapists based on our standard intensity assessment. Read more about usability of VR with seniors based on our research.