Sabrina Leung, SilVR Adventures
Physical inactivity is one of the most persistent and complex challenges in aged care. As residents experience declining mobility, cognitive impairment, or reduced motivation, traditional exercise programs often struggle to engage those who may benefit.
At the same time, aged care providers are navigating workforce shortages, increasing compliance expectations, and a renewed emphasis on supporting active, self-determined, and meaningful lives under the new Aged Care Act.
These pressures have accelerated interest in innovative, evidence-based approaches that support both residents and staff. One approach gaining traction is virtual reality (VR)–enabled gentle exercise.
Why exercise alone is not enough
Conventional exercise programs in aged care face barriers such as fear of falling, lack of confidence, limited attention span, and low intrinsic motivation. For residents living with cognitive impairment or long periods of inactivity, the instruction to “exercise” can feel abstract, repetitive, disengaging.
VR changes this dynamic by embedding physical movement within purposeful, immersive experiences. Rather than focusing on the movement itself, residents may find themselves cycling through familiar landscapes, paddling along calm waterways, or exploring meaningful places in 360 degrees. Movement becomes a natural response to curiosity and engagement, rather than a task to complete.
Evidence is driving adoption
The growing adoption of VR-enabled exercise is supported by robust evidence rather than anecdote. Peer-reviewed research funded by Aged Care Research & Industry Innovation Australia (ARIIA), conducted in partnership with Deakin University and Barwon Health, using SilVR Adventures’ VR solution, found that 92.9% of previously inactive aged care residents engaged in physical activity during VR sessions, alongside improvements in mood and social interaction.
This evidence matters. As providers are increasingly required to demonstrate outcomes, VR offers a rare combination of engagement, measurable participation, and documented benefit, making it easier to justify inclusion in care planning and accreditation processes.
Supporting person-centred and restorative care
VR-enabled exercise aligns closely with person-centred aged care principles, including restorative care and reablement. Sessions can be adapted for seated or supported use, making them accessible to residents with varying mobility levels. Experiences can also be personalised by language, culture, pace, and personal history, supporting dignity and choice.
Importantly, VR is not positioned as a replacement for allied health or physiotherapy, but as a complementary tool that encourages consistent movement, builds confidence, and supports participation between formal therapy sessions.
Practical benefits for the workforce
For lifestyle and care teams, VR-enabled exercise offers a structured, low-risk way to facilitate movement without extensive setup or physical prompting. Built-in reporting tools allow providers to track participation and engagement, reducing the burden on staff to manually evidence outcomes.
Looking ahead
The rise of VR-enabled exercise reflects a broader shift in aged care toward evidence-based, person-centred innovation. Virtual reality is no longer just about “new experiences”. It is becoming a practical, validated way to help older Australians stay active, connected, and meaningfully engaged in daily life.
To learn more about technology in aged care, please visit the ARIIA Knowledge and Implementation Hub: https://www.ariia.org.au/knowledge-implementation-hub/technology-in-aged-care.
*The views and opinions expressed in Knowledge Blogs are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of ARIIA, Flinders University and/or the Australian Government Department of Health, Disability and Ageing.