Virtual Reality for Cognitive Health and Social Connection in Older Adults
Project 1: Virtual Reality to Support Cognitive Health and Engagement and Socialization Among Aging Adults
This research explores how virtual reality can help older adults stay mentally sharp and socially connected from the comfort of their homes.
Quick facts
| Grant type | P01 program project |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11105848 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
As people get older, it can become harder to stay active and engaged, which is important for brain health and happiness. This project looks at how new virtual reality (VR) systems, which are now more powerful and easy to use, can offer exciting ways to experience new places and interact with others without leaving home. We want to understand if using VR can truly help older adults keep their minds active and feel more connected to the world and to other people. The goal is to find new and engaging ways to support overall well-being as we age.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates for future related studies would be aging adults, particularly those experiencing limitations in their ability to participate in outside activities, who are interested in exploring new technologies.
Not a fit: Patients with severe cognitive impairment or those who are uncomfortable with technology may not find direct benefit from this specific approach.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could provide new, accessible tools for older adults to maintain their cognitive abilities and social engagement, potentially improving their quality of life and independence.
How similar studies have performed: While virtual reality has been explored for physical or cognitive rehabilitation, its use for social and cognitive engagement in older adults in home settings is a newer area with limited prior research.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Charness, Neil — Weill Medical Coll of Cornell Univ
- Study coordinator: Charness, Neil
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.