Designing and Implementing a Metaverse Strategy for Fall Prevention in Older Adults: A Theoretical Review.

The aim of this study was to propose the use of metaverse technology as an effective educational method for fall prevention in older adults. A theoretical review was conducted by analyzing publications from PubMed/MEDLINE, EBSCO, SciELO, and Google Scholar using the search terms "metaverse," "falls," "older adults," "virtual reality," and "exercise." From 133 identified articles published between 2000 and July 2025, and one seminal pre-2000 study included due to its foundational relevance, 52 were examined in depth. Traditional face-to-face or one-way online education often fails to meet the diverse needs and physical limitations of older adults. Metaverse-based platforms, which employ virtual avatars and immersive environments, may enhance accessibility, motivation, and social connectedness. Potential applications include personalized fall prevention training, virtual community centers, and gamified group exercise environments. Augmented and mixed reality technologies may further improve realism and usability compared with traditional virtual reality. However, challenges remain, including digital literacy gaps, device costs, and infrastructure requirements. Metaverse technology therefore offers a promising platform to bridge the gap between face-to-face and remote interventions. This review is novel in that it systematically synthesizes fragmented evidence on metaverse-based fall prevention, conceptualizes its educational potential for older adults, and provides a foundation for future clinical and policy applications.