Create Video Games to Promote Well-Being of Elderly People – A Practice-Driven Guideline

Abstract

This paper presents a selection of game design concepts to promote social interaction between older people and players from other generations. Hardware-related interaction channels, game mechanics and game content can be used to trigger positive communication between several players. The proposed concepts are based on the experience of 32 game prototypes developed with and for the oldest seniors living in several Swiss nursing and retirement homes. The games are directed at the relatives to make their visits a pleasant and positively perceived experience, with the aim of increasing well-being of all involved.