VR Supports Social & Intergenerational Connection
At A Glance
VR can function as a shared social medium that strengthens connection between older adults, caregivers, and intergenerational partners. Studies include VR storytelling, dyadic caregiver–care recipient use, and structured group-based immersive experiences.
Across the literature, VR is increasingly positioned not only as a therapeutic tool, but as a relational platform that enables communication, storytelling, and shared meaning-making across generations.
Key Research Findings
VR increases feelings of social connection and reduces isolation in older adults
Participants in intergenerational VR storytelling programs reported feeling less isolated and more socially connected following shared immersive storytelling experiences (Appel et al., 2022).
Intergenerational VR fosters meaningful communication across age groups
Grandparent–grandchild VR workshops enabled sustained interaction, collaboration, and storytelling, strengthening relational bonds through shared content creation (Appel et al., 2022).
Dyadic VR use enhances caregiver–care recipient bonding
Caregiver–dementia dyads reported positive shared experiences and increased emotional engagement during joint VR sessions (Alizai et al., 2025).
Shared VR experiences increase engagement beyond individual use
Group or dyadic VR formats facilitate reflection and conversation during and after immersive experiences (Alizai et al., 2025).
Why This Matters
For families and care teams, VR creates structured opportunities for meaningful connection where verbal communication may otherwise be limited. This supports its use in intergenerational programming, family engagement initiatives, and relationship-centred dementia care. It also positions VR as a tool for reducing loneliness in long-term care through shared experience rather than passive activity.
Our Publications
Appel, L., Lewis, S., Kisonas, E., & Appel, E. (2022). VRCHIVE: Experiences conducting an online workshop teaching intergenerational participants to create virtual reality films about their lives during the COVID pandemic. Educational Gerontology, 48(7), 305–330. https://doi.org/10.1080/03601277.2022.2039848
Alizai, H., Wong, M., Tchao, D., & Appel, L. (2025). Navigating immersion: Usability study of a virtual reality application designed for older adults with dementia and their caregivers. Journal of Medical Extended Reality, 2(1). https://doi.org/10.1089/jmedxr.2024.0034
Malik, K., Lewis-Fung, S., et al. (2025). VR&R: Preliminary results on at-home VR therapy for caregiver respite and symptom management in dementia. AHFE International Conference Proceedings. https://doi.org/10.54941/ahfe1006986