Ramalho, AndréDuarte-Mendes, PedroPaulo, RuiSerrano, JoãoPetrica, João2024-02-202024-02-202024RAMALHO A, DUARTE-MENDES P, PAULO R, SERRANO J and PETRICA J (2024) Crossing the digital frontier: are older adults ready for virtual reality workouts? Front. Public Health 12:1324004. DOI: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1324004http://hdl.handle.net/10400.11/8892In the dynamic web of our digital age, virtual reality (VR) is crystallizing as a promising medium for promoting physical activity in older adults, overcoming age-old barriers. This perspective article explores the intricate synergy between VR and physical activity in older adults and highlights the many challenges of aging within a virtual environment. While VR heralds the potential for multisensory interaction and cognitive enhancement, a thorough assessment of its impact is paramount. The reach of VR goes beyond immediate applications and permeates the emotional and psychological realms of the human journey. Such an exploration requires a comprehensive perspective that goes beyond a purely technical assessment. The aim of this article is not to present clear-cut solutions, but to encourage reflection on the diverse impact of VR on our aging population. We argue for a future in which technology complements, rather than eclipses, the depth of human experience.engVirtual realityAgingPhysical activityCognitionEmotionsjournal articledoi: 10.3389/fpubh.2024.1324004