A New View: How Virtual Reality Is Helping Older Californians Connect and Thrive
Addressing the digital divide
A New View: How Virtual Reality Is Helping Older Californians Connect and Thrive
September 21, 2026
September 21, 2026
Key insights
01
Virtual reality can help older adults build digital confidence, support well-being and discover meaningful new ways to connect, learn and explore.
02
Hands-on guidance in a welcoming environment empowers seniors to adopt unfamiliar technology at their own pace.
03
Collaboration among community organizations, technology providers and reliable connectivity can help older adults participate more fully and independently in a digital world.
From traveling the world to skydiving through the clouds, virtual reality can open the door to experiences that once felt out of reach. For older adults, it can also build digital confidence, support well-being and unlock greater possibilities.
Throughout California, AT&T works with local organizations to help communities connect to technology, resources and opportunities. Building on our summer of connectivity efforts across the state, that commitment continued September 1 at the Janet Goeske Center in Riverside, where AT&T and Mynd Immersive, a leading provider of immersive digital therapeutics for aging adults, hosted a hands-on virtual reality experience.
During the event, local seniors learned to safely use virtual reality headsets in a welcoming environment at Janet Goeske Foundation’s AT&T Connected Learning Center. With support from volunteers, attendees virtually traveled to meaningful destinations, including Paris, France, and Quito, Ecuador. One participant revisited her grandparents’ home in Greenville, South Carolina, while others went skydiving, watched a Broadway musical, played interactive games, or blasted off into space.
The event showed that expanding connectivity involves more than providing internet access or devices. It also means helping people develop the skills and confidence to use technology in ways that are meaningful to their lives.
A familiar setting and the freedom to ask questions can replace uncertainty with confidence. For older adults, that encouragement can help them continue learning, maintain connections and participate more independently in an increasingly digital world.
Technology That Meets Older Adults Where They Are
Many technology products are designed and marketed with younger users in mind, which can leave older adults feeling overlooked. Yet thoughtfully designed technology, like Mynd, can be especially valuable later in life. As Mayo Clinic Press highlights, digital tools can support social interaction and help reduce loneliness and isolation. Virtual reality can build on those benefits by creating shared moments and offering new ways to engage with the world.
At the Riverside event, every participant had the opportunity to learn at their own pace. Facilitators helped participants adjust their headsets, navigate content and become comfortable with an unfamiliar device. That person-centered approach is essential to digital dignity: meeting people where they are and allowing technology to serve them – not the other way around.
“We’re always looking for new ways to engage seniors and enrich their quality of life,” said Danielle Stevens, Executive Director, Janet Goeske Foundation. “Our core programming focuses on providing a whole-person centered approach to health and wellness. By offering interactive experiences like this virtual reality demonstration, we hope to build digital confidence and empower the seniors we serve to explore new ways to learn, connect and thrive.”
Reliable connectivity plays an important role behind the scenes. AT&T 5G and hotspots helps Mynd connect its headsets to the AT&T wireless network. It also helps Mynd deliver new content, remotely manage devices and expand immersive experiences to more older adults – all while making the technology easier to access and use.
Closing the Digital Confidence Gap
Bridging the digital divide is a broader goal shared by AT&T and community organizations across California as we’re focused on helping more people participate fully in today’s connected world. Millions of people nationwide still lack the internet access, devices or digital skills they need. For many seniors, additional barriers can include uncertainty about using a device, fear of making a mistake or concerns about online safety.
The Federal Communications Commission notes that nearly one in four adults ages 65 and older are considered socially isolated. Technology can help by enabling video calls, online communities, virtual events and other interactions with family, friends and caregivers. These tools can be particularly valuable for people with mobility limitations or those who live far from loved ones.
Supportive experiences like the virtual reality event at the AT&T Connected Learning Center give older adults space to explore without pressure or embarrassment.
“Technology can create new opportunities for older adults to connect, learn and explore,” said Susan Santana, President, AT&T West. “By working with Janet Goeske Foundation and Mynd Immersive, we’re helping participants build confidence with technology while experiencing the possibilities of virtual reality.”
As Californians live longer, digital confidence is becoming increasingly important to maintaining independence and connection. Everyday activities – from communicating with loved ones to accessing services and continuing lifelong learning – often require comfort with technology. Supporting digital dignity means helping older adults use those tools confidently and adapt as technology evolves.
The recent event is one example of how California community organizations, innovative technology and reliable connectivity can come together to expand opportunity.
Learn more about AT&T’s work to connect California communities to greater possibility at AT&T Connects. To learn more about Mynd Immersive and request a demo, click here.
Related stories
Addressing the digital divide
Opening Doors to Opportunity: Six New Connected Learning Centers Coming to California
Addressing the digital divide
AT&T Expands Digital Access for Thousands of Californians Through Summer of Connectivity
