Chronic pain is a heavy burden for many Indian seniors, shaping both their bodies and their spirits. For Lakshmi, a 75-year-old Chennai resident, and her husband Ramesh, 80, each day starts with joint pain and stiffness—now so familiar, it has become part of life. Yet pain is never just physical; it seeps into mood, sleep, independence, and social connection. Lakshmi used to love family gatherings and temple visits, but these have become rare. As chronic pain takes over, depression and anxiety become common companions for seniors like her.
In India, the quantified senior care looks like this:
- 149M seniors today → 300M by 2050.
- At least 50M seniors need physiotherapy annually.
- 70 per cent lack access, and >50 per cent fail adherence due to motivation barriers.
- That’s ~35M Indian seniors every year suffering preventable decline, disability, and dependence.
The deep connection between pain and mental health
Modern research shows that chronic pain and mental health are tightly intertwined for older adults. Chronic pain from arthritis, back problems, or nerve conditions doesn’t just make walking or sleeping harder—it increases the risk of depression, anxiety, and even cognitive decline.
Unfortunately, many older people report that doctors address their pain but overlook their emotional suffering. According to studies, nearly 60 per cent of seniors feel their mental health isn’t adequately addressed during healthcare visits.
Why usual treatments often fall short
Traditional approaches like conventional physiotherapy, medication (painkillers, anti-inflammatories), and surgery can help physical symptoms, but they rarely fix the emotional toll. Many seniors (like Lakshmi) give up on therapy because it feels too hard, too boring with no motivation and engagement. Long-term reliance on medications risks dependency, side effects, and only partial relief. Meanwhile, anxiety and sadness build up, deepening the vicious cycle between pain and poor mental health.
How VR therapy is making a difference
Virtual Reality (VR) therapy is changing this scenario by addressing pain and emotional well-being together. Instead of intimidating exercises, seniors are guided into immersive, scenic and calming worlds. For Lakshmi, therapy has become a source of joy: with her headset on, she’s distracted from pain, motivated to move, and finds moments of calm she thought were lost.
Here’s why VR therapy is viewed as a natural approach:
- Nonpharmacological—No drugs involved: VR therapy reduces pain using sensory distraction, guided relaxation, and immersive experiences, rather than chemicals or pharmaceuticals. This minimises the risks of side effects, dependence, and drug interactions often seen in seniors and those with chronic pain.
- Harnesses the body’s own mechanisms: By immersing users in engaging virtual environments, VR taps into the brain’s natural pain modulation pathways. It shifts focus away from pain signals and activates cognitive, emotional, and neurological processes that reduce perceived pain intensity.
- Promotes movement and mindfulness: Many VR programs encourage gentle exercise, meditation, and relaxation—activities proven to support joint health, reduce stress, and improve mood. These holistic practices are foundational elements of natural pain relief.
- Supports emotional and social well-being: VR tools often include social engagement and connection features, helping users feel less isolated and more empowered—key components of healing and holistic wellness.
- Personalisation and progress monitoring with precision: AI with Motion sensors integrated with VR provide personalised therapy with accurate measurements—like range of motion thereby tracking adherence and progress over time.
In summary, VR therapy is a natural remedy for pain because it uses the body’s own resources and psychological processes to manage discomfort, all without relying on drugs, invasive treatments, or synthetic interventions.
Real world impact: Chennai & Athulya Senior Care
Chennai’s Government Hospital and Centre of Ageing has led pioneering work. In a recent pilot, 60 seniors completed VR physiotherapy sessions for knee osteoarthritis. Results were remarkable: 82 per cent reduction in pain, significant improvement in movement, sleep, and daily activity. Seniors, including Lakshmi, reported brighter moods, more confidence, and greater engagement in daily life.
Similarly, Athulya Senior Care’s VR programs integrate movement, mindfulness, and social interaction. Residents like Lakshmi and Ramesh find less pain and more joy in engaging group therapy—enabling them to rejoin community life and connect with loved ones.
How does VR compare to medication?
Unlike Paracetamol, Ibuprofen, steroids, or opioids:
- VR does not cause dependency or organ damage.
- It treats both body and mind, helping break the cycle between pain and emotional distress.
- Seniors report less need for painkillers and greater wellbeing with regular VR sessions.
Lakshmi & Ramesh’s Journey: From suffering to hope
Before VR, Lakshmi’s world was shrinking—social isolation, fear of movement, and sadness were daily realities.
Now with VR, Lakshmi could visit her favourite temple and offer prayers virtually that helps Lakshmi by combining gentle movements, emotional calmness, and deep peace. As she uses VR, Lakshmi is able to perform familiar rituals—such as performing aarti, bowing, and making offerings—which encourage physical activity even if she cannot travel to the temple in person. Immersing herself in the serene temple environment, listening to chants, and witnessing vibrant visuals soothes her mind, reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation.
With Ramesh’s encouragement and VR therapy, Lakshmi now smiles more, sleeps better, and enjoys walks again. Ramesh finds relief in her progress, and their children celebrate these small but important victories during video calls.
The path forward
With India’s aging population and growing burden of joint pain, VR therapy promises a new approach—one that heals not just the body, but also the mind and soul. With comprehensive and compassionate care—including VR—Indian seniors like Lakshmi and Ramesh are now reclaiming life, laughter, and hope.