Seeing the world from home: using virtual reality travel to help lonely older adults

Is this trial a fit for you?

A plain-English reading of the study's rules. Only the study team can confirm whether you qualify.

What this trial studies

This pilot study uses a mixed-methods design to test whether virtual reality travel can lessen loneliness in older adults. Participants will be randomly assigned to a VR travel experience or a control activity focusing on attention tasks, with follow-up interviews to explore user experiences. The study aims to assess feasibility, tolerability of VR, and generate preliminary effect sizes to plan future larger trials. It is conducted at three Bloomington-area sites with Indiana University leading the project.

Why it matters

Who can join: the full rules

Inclusion Criteria:

* Adults aged 65 years or older
* Express willingness to engage with VR technology

Exclusion Criteria:

\- No self-reported physical, sensory, neurological, or cognitive conditions that would make VR use unsafe or impractical (e.g., uncontrolled seizures, severe vertigo, or significant uncorrected vision/hearing impairments).

Where it's running

• Evergreen Village at Bloomington
  Bloomington, Indiana, United States Recruiting
• Bell Trace
  Bloomington, Indiana, United States Recruiting
• Area 10 Agency on Aging
  Ellettsville, Indiana, United States Recruiting

Study contacts

• Study coordinator: Ruiping Ren
• Email: renruip@iu.edu
• Phone: 812-671-4087

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How to take part

1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
2. Check the official listing on ClinicalTrials.gov for the latest contact details and recruitment status.
3. Contact the study coordinator or principal investigator to ask for pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.