Family Matters: The Role Of Intergenerational Gameplay In Successful Aging

Successful aging in Western cultures is associated with remaining independent based on physical and mental health while also remaining engaged with others. Video game play has been found to enhance physical and mental health in older adults, however engagement with others has received less attention from scholars. This study examines the multiple reasons older adults provide for playing video games with family members, focusing on how this process maintains intergenerational relationships. While design issues and negative attitudes may prevent some older adults from playing video games, we offer solutions to overcome these barriers.