Using Virtual Reality to Address Loneliness and Increase Social Connectedness in a Personalized Recovery-Oriented Services (PROS) Program for Older Adults

• By: Heidi Billittier, DSW, LMSW Envision Wellness WNY
• September 29th, 2025
• behavioral health, evidence-based practice, Fall 2025 Issue, implementation science, loneliness, older adults, social connectedness, stigma, virtual reality
• 802    0

Social isolation refers to the lack of meaningful friendships, connections, and relationships in one's life, whereas loneliness is the perception of the feelings associated with isolation (Wu, 2020). Wu (2020) reported that one-quarter of older people living in-community report feelings of...