The effects of virtual reality interventions on depression and anxiety in older adults during and after the COVID-19 pandemic: A meta-analysis - Takeaways - MDSpire
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Impact of Virtual Reality Therapy on Depression and Anxiety Among Older Adults During and After the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Meta-Analytic Review

  • By

  • Xiuchuan He

  • Jingying Xie

  • Xiaoyang Yang

  • YingQun Zhou

  • September 5, 2026

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  • 1

    The COVID-19 pandemic has significantly impacted mental health among older adults, increasing loneliness and depressive symptoms.

  • 2

    VR interventions have been shown to effectively reduce anxiety and depressive symptoms in older adults, improving their overall mental health.

  • 3

    The effectiveness of VR therapy varies based on participant characteristics and implementation contexts, indicating a need for tailored approaches.

  • 4

    Some studies report limited emotional improvement from VR interventions, suggesting that their effectiveness may depend on session specifics and individual differences.

  • 5

    Future research should focus on defining best practices for VR interventions by systematically reporting contextual variables and intervention parameters.

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