Part 5/8:
The potential mental health benefits of VR for seniors are promising. As Berryman notes, many older adults tend to accept feelings of sadness or depression as an inevitable part of aging, which discourages them from seeking help. VR has the capacity to challenge these notions by offering joyful, engaging activities that promote a sense of freedom, curiosity, and exploration.
Participants have reported feelings of liberation—"I feel so free here," says one senior—describing how VR transports them beyond physical limitations. For some, it becomes a source of daily anticipation, encouraging activity and participation that might otherwise be difficult.