June 2026

GERIATRICS

VIRTUAL REALITY FOUND TO BE VALUABLE TOOL IN GERIATRIC CARE

A recent Northwestern Medicine study finds that widely available virtual reality (VR) apps may offer meaningful benefits for older adults without the need for specialized or costly technology.
 
Alexandra E. Petrakos, MD, and colleagues evaluated more than 200 consumer virtual reality (VR) apps and identified 44 with clear geriatric value, including 13 high-quality, easy-to-use options.
 
The researchers found that effective apps cluster into five clinical use cases:
  • Cognitive support: memory, puzzles, immersive exploration
  • Functional exercise: movement, coordination, light activity
  • Anxiety reduction: calming environments, meditation
  • Mood support: engaging recreation (sports, music, experiences)
  • Social connection: interactive, shared environments
 
The study highlights how digital tools can support geriatric care, and the team plans to further test these apps with older adults across care settings and functional abilities.
 
Read the study in the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society >
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​Alexandra E. Petrakos
Assistant Professor, Medicine (Geriatrics)

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