Scientists Test Virtual Reality Tools to Help Scientists Test Virtual Reality Tools to Help Seniors

Students from MIT are helping assisted living residents visit tourist destinations and their old neighborhoods with virtual reality (VR) headsets. Caregivers say the technology can spark more social interaction, alleviate boredom, and may eventually let seniors virtually visit family gatherings they can’t attend in person. Doctors say the technology could help them treat anxiety and assess cognitive function in dementia patients, help diabetes patients stay active, and more. Here’s what virtual reality is doing for seniors now, and what it may do soon.