NCT07644416NARecruitingAccepts Healthy Volunteers
Using Virtual Reality Travel to Reduce Loneliness in Older Adults
Indiana University
Start Date
6/1/2026
Completion Date
5/30/2027
Summary
This study aims to investigate whether and how virtual reality travel (VRT) can reduce loneliness among older adults. It will utilize a mixed-methods research design that combines an randomly assigned experiment with follow-up semi-structured interviews. This is a pilot study and it is essential to establish the feasibility and acceptability of the protocol, assess the tolerability of VR technology in this population prior to conducting a full-scale RCT, and generate preliminary effect size estimates to inform future sample size calculations.
Eligibility Criteria
Age Range: 65 years to No maximum
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).
Interventions
BEHAVIORAL
Virtual Reality Travel
BEHAVIORAL
Puzzle-Based Attention Control Activity
Conditions
LonelinessOlder Adults (65 Years and Older)Virtual RealityLeisure Activities
Locations
Evergreen Village at Bloomington
Bloomington, Indiana 47401
United States
Bell Trace
Bloomington, Indiana 47408
United States
Area 10 Agency on Aging
Ellettsville, Indiana 47429
United States