We are proud to share an important research milestone connected to SilVR Adventures’ work in Singapore.
A new protocol paper has now been published by Singapore University of Social Sciences (SUSS) in partnership with St Luke’s ElderCare (SLEC), exploring the effect of immersive virtual reality reminiscence versus traditional reminiscence on social well-being among older adults in eldercare centres in Singapore. SilVR Adventures is acknowledged in the paper for supporting this work, alongside the SLEC team.
While this publication is a protocol paper rather than the final study results, it marks an important step forward. It outlines the design of what the authors describe as the first structured randomized controlled trial in Singapore to examine immersive VR reminiscence for older adults in this context.
That matters because the study is focused on outcomes that are deeply relevant to aged care and community care providers. Rather than simply asking whether VR is interesting or novel, the trial is designed to evaluate whether immersive VR reminiscence can improve quality of life, subjective happiness, and loneliness, compared with more traditional reminiscence approaches using photos and videos.
SLEC participants immersed in VR as part of the SUSS protocol
The research also looks beyond outcomes alone. It explores how older adults experience the technology, including whether they find VR useful, comfortable, and easy to engage with, using the Senior Technology Acceptance Model. In practical terms, this is important because meaningful innovation in aged care is not just about what is possible. It is about whether something can be implemented safely, ethically, and in a way that older people and care teams genuinely embrace.
For SilVR Adventures, this publication reflects something we have believed for a long time: immersive experiences can play a meaningful role in supporting connection, conversation, and well-being among older adults when they are delivered in the right way. It also reinforces the importance of working alongside respected care and research partners who are committed to building credible evidence and practical implementation pathways.
Importantly, the paper makes clear that while SilVR provided the VR content library in kind, we had no role in the study design, data analysis, or dissemination of results. That independence strengthens the credibility of the work and reflects the kind of evidence base we believe the sector needs.
We are grateful to Dr Kelvin Tan and the team at SUSS, as well as Dr Kenny Tan and the team at St Luke’s ElderCare, for their leadership and partnership on this important initiative.
As the aged care sector continues to look for better ways to support psychosocial well-being, reduce loneliness, and deliver more meaningful engagement, we are encouraged to see immersive VR being examined through a rigorous and locally relevant research lens.
This is an exciting step forward, and we look forward to seeing the study progress.
Link: Effect of immersive virtual reality reminiscence versus traditional reminiscence on social well-being among older adults in eldercare centres in Singapore: A randomized controlled trial protocol on Gerontechnology, the first international scientific journal devoted to this field. The International Society for Gerontechnology founded the journal in 2001.
