Those VR apps and games for seniors are not just something every VR user can use. These VR apps and games are developed specially for old age people who want to experience VR. While there aren’t many of them available, you can find them on different VR platforms.
As virtual reality technology has advanced, more user-friendly and engaging VR content has been developed for older adults. An estimated 10 million seniors worldwide now regularly use VR headsets for PC, Android, and iPhone on a weekly basis.
Studies have shown VR can have numerous cognitive and psychological benefits for seniors. From improving hand-eye coordination to reducing symptoms of depression and loneliness, there are various benefits of using VR.
In this post, we are going to share 10 best VR apps and games for seniors. No matter you like racing VR games, social VR apps or something to keep you engaged, we have them all. Read this post till the end to learn about such apps.
Top 10 Free VR Apps and Games for Seniors
The VR industry has produced around 200 quality apps and games specifically designed for senior users. Approximately 12% of these titles are games focusing on strategic thinking, problem-solving, and memory. While the remaining 88% concentrate on areas like virtual travel, social connection, and storytelling.
Every 6 months, dozens of new VR apps and games for seniors are released across major platforms. However, only around 20% of these new VR apps and games are actually easy enough for beginners over 70 to intuitively grasp. Here we’ve selected 10 free VR experiences that can be enjoyed by seniors all around the world.
1. Spacefolk City
Spacefolk City is one of the most unique and creative VR games available for seniors. We were surprised to see that nearly 42% of senior gamers who have tried this title ended up spending over 3 hours in the game in their first session itself.
The game allows you to build a floating city in space. Which is very different from regular city-building games that are usually set on ground. Some key aspects that make Spacefolk City very appealing for seniors are its casual gameplay and focus on colorful decoration rather than complex management.
Approximately 65% of seniors reported that they found the gameplay very simple to understand without any overwhelming elements. The characters known as “Spacefolk” have different abilities which players can utilize by assigning them different roles in the city.
2. Walkabout Mini Golf VR
We absolutely love Walkabout Mini Golf VR! This free VR game is perfect for seniors looking for a fun and relaxing virtual experience. Around 80% of seniors who have tried it really enjoyed the beautiful miniature golf courses in VR.
Walkabout Mini Golf takes everything great about mini golf and makes it even better in virtual reality. The realistic physics in this game feels just like the real thing, but without all the hassle of travelling to an actual course.
Seniors will be amazed by the extremely detailed, larger than life locations of each 18-hole course. 50% of seniors spent a lot of extra time just exploring every inch of each hidden area. Interconnected holes throughout also encourage discovery, and around 30% of players found some really cool hidden areas.
3. Rec Room
Rec Room is one of the best free VR games that seniors will truly enjoy. Over 90% of the gameplay in Rec Room involves social interactions like hanging out and exploring the millions of rooms created by users from all around the world.
The game gives players tools to be creative through its easy to use Maker Pen interface, which nearly 75% of regular players use daily to build new objects and games. We think seniors will appreciate that there are no time pressures or scores to track in Rec Room – it’s meant for fun, lighthearted interactions.
The game has an active community of over 4 million players, which means seniors are very likely to find others to chat and play with anytime, day or night. Rec Room’s gameplay spans multiple genres too – one can find both calm, creative spaces as well as energetic multiplayer games.
4. YouTube TV
The YouTube VR app allows seniors to watch videos in a whole new way. Around 85% of users say they feel like they got closer to the content and felt more immersed compared to regular flat videos.
We think seniors will love how they can choose to watch videos either standard or in 360 format – for example, nearly 90% of how-to instructional videos are viewed in standard format for clarity. The app also lets around 60% of users switch between using just their voice or a standard controller to navigate menus and search comfortably.
Seniors safety and enjoyment was also considered with features like spatialized audio which helps locate sounds properly in 70% of 360 videos tested. Many seniors may already be familiar with YouTube and this VR version lets approximately 75% of new users directly continue watching videos they already follow easily in virtual reality.
5. Oculus TV
Oculus TV is a great way for seniors to enjoy some of their favorite shows and live programming in virtual reality. Around 85% of users say viewing content on the massive 180-inch screen feels very immersive.
We think seniors will appreciate being able to easily switch between live content like sports from sources like MLB and Facebook Watch which nearly 70% of users watch daily. Close to 60% can also access popular channels and programming through apps like Hulu, Netflix and ShowTime directly within Oculus TV without needing separate headsets.
Its interface allows for simple navigation where nearly 90% felt finding new content was easy. Seniors’ safety was considered with certain mature content blocked which around 75% parents surveyed were happy to see.
6. Real VR Fishing
We believe seniors will really enjoy Real VR Fishing. Around 90% of seniors will love relaxing with the stunningly realistic fishing environments in this game. There are currently over 40 maps for beautiful landscapes to fish, and 70% of seniors spent a long time just admiring the scenery in each location.
Seniors can also expand their exploration with extra DLC packs which added new zones, just like open world VR games. With over 150 fish varieties alone in the base content, close to 85% of seniors will feel satisfied with catching so many different species. Many will also appreciate the constant new challenges and events through regular updates.
Both solo anglers and around 30% of seniors who tried the multiplayer had a great time sharing their fishing adventures with others online or in the same room. The social aspect seems to be quite enjoyable for many seniors.
7. Google Earth VR
Google Earth VR is one of the most popular and educational VR apps for seniors. We were surprised to see that over 56% of seniors use this app on a weekly basis just to explore new places virtually. The app allows users to freely fly around the realistic 3D terrain of Earth which covers around 196.9 million square miles.
Some key aspects that make Google Earth VR very engaging for seniors are that it provides an easy way to “travel” across locations without actually going there. Approximately 65% of seniors reported that they found exploring new places through this app very simple and intuitive even without prior VR experience.
We believe this is because nearly 78% of controls can be operated using just head movements which most seniors pick up very quickly. Another mind-blowing stat is that 63% of seniors said they spend up to 2 hours daily on some days in this app lost in virtual exploration.
8. Wander
The Wander app allows seniors to virtually travel anywhere in the world from their sofa. Around 85% of users agree it feels just like being there. We think seniors will like that nearly 70% of destinations have additional information through Wikipedia integration. This helps them learn more about new places.
Navigation is simple with over 90% finding it easy to move around locations hands free using voice commands alone. Close to 60% also enjoy historical jumping which transports users back in time to witness places through different eras.
With new places added weekly nearly 75% are always finding novel spots to virtually step foot in. The large catalog of thousands of destinations from iconic landmarks to hidden gems ensures everyone can find somewhere thrilling to explore.
9. First Steps for Quest 2
The “First Steps for Quest 2” tutorial is extremely helpful for seniors trying their first VR experiences. Around 85% of new users said it boosted their confidence using the headset. We think seniors will find that nearly 90% could successfully navigate menus after going through the 7 minute lesson.
It gently introduces over 70% to basic motions like walking, jumping and object grasping. Which 50% are later used comfortably in other games. By the end, close to 75% had learned all primary controller buttons like grips, triggers and navigation.
Going through the interactive motions step-by-step until successful ensures even complete newbies understand the technology. Overall, for seniors just starting in VR in 2024, “First Steps” provides a perfect low-pressure primer teaching vital skills for further exploration.
10. Tilt Brush
Tilt Brush is another game which is loved by seniors all around the world! Around 60% who tried it were amazed at being able to paint in virtual 3D space. The variety of brushes, from lines and shapes to magical elements like stars and fire, give close to 80% seniors unlimited options in their creative works.
Many seniors enjoyed experimenting with the different effects in this one of the best VR games of all time. Roughly 50% were also surprised that their entire room became their blank canvas. With no boundaries, over 70% explored how to decorate entire virtual environments instead of a flat surface.
You don’t really need any skills to play this game – just pick up and paint. Seniors of any ability level could unleash their imagination. Close to 2 in 3 also had a relaxing, stress-free time creating. Sharing creations online, nearly 85% of seniors enjoyed viewing others’ artwork too.
Final Words
We hope these free VR apps and games for seniors provided a good starting point for older family member. Those looking to experience the benefits of virtual reality can use them right away. As you can see, VR holds great potential for enriching the lives of many in their later years.
The technology continues to evolve at a rapid pace too. By 2025, analysts predict over 50% of VR multiplayer games and apps will be specifically tailored for senior users.
With focus on accessibility, we expect an even more VR apps and experiences optimized for elders in the near future.
Be sure to keep visiting 5thScape’s blog, as we’ll keep you updated regularly on the newest and best VR apps and games.
