Residents at The Terraces retirement community in Los Gatos, California, are using virtual reality (VR) technology to relive travel experiences and engage in simulated adventures. The VR sessions, organized by caretakers, allow residents, many in their 80s and 90s, to explore locations and activities they can no longer physically access.

The VR programming is provided by Rendever, a company specializing in VR experiences for senior living communities. Rendever curates 3D programs designed to stimulate cognition and foster social interaction. During a recent session, residents virtually swam with dolphins, paddling their arms as they watched the underwater scenery. "We got to go underwater and didn't even have to hold our breath!" exclaimed one 81-year-old participant.

Rendever operates in 800 retirement communities across the United States and Canada. The company's VR experiences aim to combat isolation, a common issue in senior living environments. By providing immersive and engaging content, Rendever seeks to improve residents' mental and emotional well-being. The technology offers a way for seniors to reconnect with past memories and create new shared experiences.

Virtual reality headsets create immersive, three-dimensional environments through stereoscopic displays and motion tracking. The headsets present slightly different images to each eye, simulating depth perception. Motion tracking allows the virtual environment to respond to the user's head movements, enhancing the sense of presence. While VR technology has been historically associated with gaming and entertainment, its applications are expanding into healthcare, education, and senior care.

The use of VR in retirement communities represents a growing trend. As technology advances and becomes more accessible, VR is expected to play an increasingly important role in enhancing the quality of life for seniors. Future developments may include personalized VR experiences tailored to individual residents' interests and abilities.