In recent years, virtual reality (VR) has transformed from a niche technology to a powerful medium for social interaction, fitness, gaming, and education. While VR is often associated with younger tech enthusiasts or industry professionals, a vibrant and growing community of users over 50 has emerged, proving that VR is not just a young person’s game. One Facebook group, “Virtual Reality Users Over 50,” with over 7,000 members globally, has become a central hub for these mature VR enthusiasts. Through daily posts, members share experiences, organize virtual events, and inspire each other to explore new worlds. XR Update recently interviewed several of these members, highlighting the inspiring ways they are embracing VR.
Why Are Users Over 50 Embracing VR?
For many in this age group, VR offers a unique opportunity to engage in activities that are challenging, fun, and accessible from home. Chris D. Limey, for example, started using VR to stay fit, especially during winter when outdoor workouts were less feasible. “The workouts on the apps have really got soooo much better over the last few years and can be a challenge for even the fittest of us,” he says. The convenience of virtual fitness programs, like Les Mills BODYCOMBAT, has allowed users like Chris to avoid tedious gym routines while staying active.
Others, like Bao Lau Oh, find VR fulfilling in a way traditional gaming isn’t: “When I play Xbox for a couple of hours, I feel like I wasted time. But when I play VR for a couple of hours, I feel like I got something done.” This sentiment highlights the unique immersion and satisfaction VR provides, allowing users to feel a sense of purpose through activities like working out, exploring new worlds, and completing intricate tasks.
Many group members are also finding VR gaming to be a satisfying way to engage with interactive and visually stunning worlds. Stephen D. Thomas, 55, loves action puzzle games and spends hours immersed in titles like Asgard’s Wrath 2, Red Matter 1 and 2, The Room VR, Hubris, and The Last Clockwinder. “I can spend hours inside those games getting lost in the scenery, action, and puzzles,” he says. In addition to gaming, he works out daily using apps like Supernatural, Les Mills BODYCOMBAT, and Audio Trip for exciting cardio sessions. Stephen also enjoys playing Walkabout Mini Golf as a “date night” activity with his wife, although he admits, “I do not enjoy the screaming kids in the social apps.”
For Debby Faye Helmig Burgard, 69, VR has become a daily fitness routine. Having started VR earlier this year, she now uses it to work out with apps like Supernatural, through which she has lost 10 pounds. Debby also uses Wander, an app that lets her revisit her hometown and explore new places virtually.
Connecting Across Distances and Generations
For many in this community, VR is not just about personal enrichment but also about connecting with others, regardless of age or location. Suzi Holman and her friends, who all know each other in real life, meet in Supernatural, a VR fitness app, to exercise together. She explains that the social aspect is endless, describing how VR allows them to get together to talk, laugh, and even watch movies together.
Lorelle VanFossen, another active member, has found a deep sense of community through social VR. “Social VR is where I’ve not just found a home but a lifestyle filled with supportive and positive people living a creative life.” Through VR, she has connected with people worldwide, learning about different cultures and finding meaningful friendships.
One member, Rick Yuhas, recently used the Facebook group to get members excited about a new VRChat world he helped create called Audience Anarchy. “We have just started a 50+ group instance of Audience Anarchy in VRChat if anyone is interested,” he posted, receiving enthusiastic responses and questions from members.
If you don’t know, Audience Anarchy is an interactive, often humorous game where participants can either act as characters with a script, adding their own improv, or serve as audience members who suggest words to be inserted into the script, much like Mad Libs but all in VR. “This tends to be rather ribald and often somewhat vulgar, yet always hysterical,” Rick says, adding that the game is best for those who enjoy a bit of edgy humor.
A Hub for VR Tips, Hacks, and Hardware Insights
Not only are members of the “Virtual Reality Users Over 50” group connecting within VR, but they’re also using the group as a resource for everything VR-related. Members actively share tips on getting the most out of their VR experiences, discuss new hardware, and exchange the latest hacks for making VR more fun and accessible. Whether it’s troubleshooting equipment issues, discovering new apps, or offering advice on comfort and accessibility, the group has become an invaluable space for users who are passionate about VR. This sharing of knowledge helps both new and seasoned VR users stay informed and excited about the latest in VR technology.
Eliminating Isolation with VRTogether
One of the most significant contributions to this community comes from VRTogether, an organization founded by VR artist Richard Hoagland. Inspired by his experience with his aging mother, who struggled with isolation, Hoagland used VR to connect with her by attending virtual church services together. He noticed that she felt particularly fulfilled when singing with the congregation, which motivated him to create VRTogether to combat isolation and loneliness for others.
VRTogether focuses on health and wellness, especially for populations at risk of isolation. Their latest initiative, the VR Singing Club, uses the power of music to foster connection and improve well-being. Hoagland explains that the VR club is focused on increasing health, happiness, and well-being for all people. Through this evidence-based platform, VRTogether aims to bring joy and community to those who need it most, proving that VR can have a profound impact on mental and emotional health for those in their 50s and older. Of course, the club is open to everyone who wants to join.
Building Virtual Worlds and Fostering Nostalgia
Some VR users over 50 have taken their interests to creative and nostalgic heights. Debra Schneider, 71, has been building virtual worlds for over a decade and is now running a Star Trek-themed community in VR, where she and her fellow crew members explore the galaxy together. Schneider tells XR Update that her goal has always been to keep Star Trek alive in the Metaverse.
In one of her Facebook group posts, Schneider says, “The majority of the people on my virtual crew are over 50. I am 71. My chief medical officer is 74. One of my science officers is around the same age. We found that we lived near each other in real life, and we get together for the occasional real lunch. We talk about hip replacements and air fryers!” Debra laughs, describing the blend of humor and camaraderie that brings their group together.
The Future of VR Adoption for Older Adults
The enthusiasm within the “Virtual Reality Users Over 50” group is a strong indicator of the broadening appeal of VR technology. As more mature users discover VR’s value, this community is expected to grow, showing that VR is not just for tech-savvy young users or industry professionals. With the group growing each day, it exemplifies a trend where VR is becoming an essential tool for fitness, socialization, and cultural exploration for people beyond the gaming and tech industry.
Deb Sullenger started using her VR headset in 2021, initially for home fitness, like so many others. She introduced several family members and friends to VR as a way to stay connected, though most of them have since stopped. That led her to meet new friends, exploring a variety of games and worlds together. It’s hard to pick a single favorite, but Supernatural has become my happy place. We also love playing Demeo, Walkabout Mini Golf, Puzzling Places, and Real VR Fishing, and I always make time to catch a few fireflies while world-hopping. As a retired couple, she and her partner find it incredible to have these opportunities to explore through VR.
As VR technology advances, its accessibility and variety of applications will continue to appeal to a diverse age range, proving that VR has the potential to be a truly universal technology. For people like Lorelle, Jennifer, Debby, Chris, Stephen, Stephanie, and many others, along with organizations like VRTogether, VR is not merely a gadget; it’s a meaningful part of their daily lives, connecting families, bridging generations, and enriching lives in powerful, lasting ways.
If you’re interested in joining the “Virtual Reality Users Over 50” Facebook group, click this link.
1 Comment
This is a fantastic piece, great work!