Virtual Reality Transforms Life at Los Gatos Retirement Community

Thu Dec 25 2025 10:32:33 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Residents of The Terraces in Los Gatos, California, can explore the world and relive memories through virtual reality experiences, enhancing their social connections and cognitive skills.

At The Terraces, a retirement community in Los Gatos, California, residents in their 80s and 90s are experiencing the world anew through virtual reality (VR) offered by Rendever. The technology immerses them in adventures such as swimming with dolphins and visiting childhood neighborhoods, fostering social interactions and cognitive engagement. As VR becomes a shared experience, it helps bridge connections among residents, creating a space for nostalgia and joy, while also being a tool for cognitive health.

LOS GATOS, Calif. — The Terraces retirement community serves as a serene escape for older adults, many of whom face mobility challenges that inhibit travel. However, the introduction of virtual reality (VR) technology is allowing residents to reclaim their adventurous spirits, transporting them to distant lands and underwater explorations without ever leaving their seats.

The community's use of VR headsets allows residents—often in their 80s and 90s—to engage in experiences carefully curated by Rendever, a company that focuses on enhancing cognitive health among seniors through immersive technology. Whether they are skydiving over grand landscapes or swimming alongside dolphins, the residents are not just observing, but actively participating in their adventures.

During one unforgettable VR session, 81-year-old Ginny Baird exclaimed joyfully after exploring vibrant ocean depths, We got to go underwater and didn’t even have to hold our breath! The excitement of these experiences isn't isolated; it fosters a shared camaraderie among residents, turning the experience into a conversation starter and a means of connection.

Adrian Marshall, the director of community life at The Terraces, emphasizes the importance of VR in cultivating relationships. It really does connect people, he shares, noting how shared experiences can lead to real-life conversations over meals. This use of VR serves not just as entertainment, but also as a tool for building community and enhancing mental well-being.

With a recent grant from the National Institutes of Health, Rendever aims to further explore this technology's impact on reducing social isolation among older adults, suggesting promising potential in maintaining cognitive functions and fostering deeper relationships.

Importantly, experts highlight the need to balance screen time, recommending the meaningful use of such technology as complementary to other social activities. As Katherine “Kate” Dupuis, a neuropsychologist, states, if used cautiously, it can be very helpful,” promoting stress relief and engagement within the community.

This innovative approach is gaining traction not only in Los Gatos but in various senior living facilities as the market for VR solutions expands, addressing the needs and desires of aging populations today.