Using Virtual Reality Travel to Reduce Loneliness in Older Adults

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.

NCT Number	NCT07644416
Lead Sponsor	Indiana University
Conditions	Loneliness, Older Adults (65 Years and Older), Virtual Reality, Leisure Activities
Enrollment	40 participants
Start Date	2026-06-01
Primary Completion	2026-12-30 (estimated)
Study Completion	2027-05-30 (estimated)
Updated on ClinicalTrials.gov	2026-08-14