Advancements in Virtual Reality for Elderly Care: A Two-Decade Journey

In the context of the global aging population, there is a critical need for effective and innovative care strategies for older adults. Virtual reality (VR) has emerged as a promising tool for improving the lives of older adults. However, the scope and direction of research in this field have not been fully explored. This bibliometric study aims to analyze the development and current trends in research on the use of VR in elderly care over the past 20 years. A systematic search was conducted in Scopus, applying inclusion and exclusion criteria, resulting in the selection of 1622 articles. Using VOSViewer software, these articles were analyzed, revealing significant patterns in keywords, authors, citations, and publication venues. The findings indicate a growing interest in this topic, with a notable focus on aging, cognition, therapeutic exercise, and randomized controlled trials. Future directions for VR research include spatial navigation, neuropsychological testing, and physical exercises. Notably, the journals Frontiers in Aging Neuroscience and Journal of NeuroEngineering and Rehabilitation have high citation rates for their VR-related articles. This study provides a comprehensive overview of VR research in elderly care, identifying emerging trends and highlighting areas that warrant further attention.