Enhancing active aging through IRAGE: Mitigating social isolation with intergenerational gaming

Manel Díaz; Rosa M Gil; Luisa F Cabeza; Eva Cerezo; Mercè Teixidó

doi:10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32979

Enhancing active aging through IRAGE: Mitigating social isolation with intergenerational gaming

Heliyon. 2024 Jun 17;10(12):e32979. doi: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e32979. eCollection 2024 Jun 30.

Authors

Manel Díaz¹, Rosa M Gil¹, Luisa F Cabeza², Eva Cerezo³, Mercè Teixidó¹

Affiliations

¹ GRIHO Research Group, Department of Computer Science and Digital Design, Universitat de Lleida, Jaume II St. 69, 25001, Lleida, Spain.
² GREiA Research Group, Universitat de Lleida, Pere de Cabrera S/n, 25001, Lleida, Spain.
³ Advanced Computer Graphics Group (GIGA), Computer Science Department, Universidad de Zaragoza, María de Luna St. 1, 50015, Zaragoza, Spain.

Abstract

This paper presents the outcomes of a pioneering study that explores the potential of remote intergenerational communication to combat social isolation among children and older adults, especially under constraints posed by pandemics such as COVID-19. Acknowledging the limited mobility of many older adults, this research aims to provide insights into how digital platforms can facilitate meaningful exchanges between generations. Utilizing a mixed methodology approach, the study first conducted a user interaction analysis to outline guidelines for participant engagement with the Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-based tool called IRAGE (Intergenerational Remote Access to Gaming Experiences) designed specifically for this purpose. Following the development of the ICT tool, three sessions of the remote intergenerational experience were held, during which participants' interactions were recorded and subsequently analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively. Key findings from the study reveal that remote intergenerational communication can significantly mitigate feelings of isolation among older adults, contributing to their mental health and emotional well-being. Moreover, the study highlights the effectiveness of the web-based platform in facilitating these interactions, with older adults and children finding the user interface intuitive and the overall experience engaging. These outcomes underscore the importance of leveraging technology to maintain social connections during challenging times and offer valuable guidelines for developing ICT tools that cater to the needs of diverse user groups. By demonstrating the feasibility and benefits of remote intergenerational communication, this research contributes to the broader discourse on active aging and the role of digital technologies in promoting social inclusion and emotional health.

Keywords: Active aging; Human-computer interaction (HCI); Intergenerational communication; Remote access; Social isolation; Well-being.