Improving the Social Connectedness of Older Adults Through Digital Social Gaming - A Pilot Study

• DOI: 10.1007/s41347-023-00344-z
• Publication Date: 2023-10-07T09:02:11Z
• Authors: Jeroen H. M. Janssen; V. E. van Es; Bas D. L. Châtel; Rob Tieben; Menno Deen; Marcel G. M. Olde...; G. M. E. E. Peeters
• Keywords: Social Connectedness; Demographics; Facilitator

Abstract Background Digital social interventions for older adults have become increasingly important due to their flexibility and potential reduce loneliness. games provide easy fun interaction possibilities but need more exploration. Methods Using a mixed-methods design, we piloted chat-based mobile application ( PhotoSnake ) designed elicit connectedness. Participants joined two in-person workshops weeks apart focus group afterwards. They filled in demographics loneliness questionnaire pre- post-intervention, collected anonymous in-app data. Results At baseline, participants (N = 15) were 74 years old, moderately lonely (Median 2.0), partnered (40%), retired (93%), living independently alone (53%) or with others (47%). Loneliness did not change over time. valued the get know each other. enjoyed playing game few days felt it lacked sufficient variation persist gameplay. Furthermore, mainly focused on was perceived as too superficial be meaningful. Conclusion This study helps design future digital by showing importance of contact engagement meaningfulness. Players do automatically label in-game valuable, should aiding players creating personal moments.