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...

Exploring the Use of Virtual Reality in Alleviating Loneliness Among Older Adults

• By: Heidi Billittier, LMSW Compeer of Greater Buffalo
• January 17th, 2023
• loneliness, older adults, research study, virtual reality, Winter 2023 Issue
• 6000    1

Social isolation is a reality for many older adults, and in response, technology is proving a viable avenue worth serious exploration. Virtual reality (VR) may be a solution, as it can transport us to distant lands, expose individuals to novel experiences, and connect to others within a virtual...