Gamification, Exergames, and Digital Games in Older Adults Aged 75 and Over: Evidence on Well-Being, Quality of Life, and Social Engagement—A Scoping Review

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Population ageing is accelerating, and adults aged ≥75 years (the "very old") have distinct functional, cognitive, and social needs. Game-based digital interventions-including exergames, serious/digital games, and gamification-may promote multidimensional well-being; however, findings are often reported for broad "older adult" samples without age-disaggregated results. This scoping review mapped the use and effects of game-based digital interventions in adults aged ≥75 years and assessed how frequently studies reported age-specific outcomes. <b>Methods</b>: The review was conducted in accordance with JBI guidance. PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched. Records were screened in Rayyan by two reviewers. Data were extracted using a standardized charting form, and outcomes were classified into predefined outcome domains and implementation-related categories. <b>Results</b>: Nineteen studies were included, predominantly European and largely conducted in supervised institutional settings. Exergames were the most common intervention type. Physical outcomes were reported most frequently, whereas cognitive, emotional, social, and quality-of-life outcomes were assessed less consistently. <b>Conclusions</b>: In adults aged ≥75 years, evidence on game-based digital interventions is mainly based on supervised exergame programmes and emphasizes physical-function outcomes, while age-disaggregated reporting and person-centred outcomes remain limited. Future research should routinely report results specific to participants aged ≥75 and broaden outcome assessment to better inform intervention design for the very old.

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Journal
Healthcare
Published
2026-02-12
DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14040470
Primary Topic
Technology Use by Older Adults
Type
article
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article

Gamification, Exergames, and Digital Games in Older Adults Aged 75 and Over: Evidence on Well-Being, Quality of Life, and Social Engagement—A Scoping Review

Valentina Vanzi, Simona Ricci, Marzia Lommi, Francesca Reato et al.
Healthcare
Technology Use by Older Adults
article

Gamification, Exergames, and Digital Games in Older Adults Aged 75 and Over: Evidence on Well-Being, Quality of Life, and Social Engagement—A Scoping Review

Valentina Vanzi, Simona Ricci, Marzia Lommi, Francesca Reato, Elisabetta Zuchi, Maria Jose Colmenares Diaz, Dhurata Ivziku, Luca Guarente
article en

Abstract

<b>Background/Objectives</b>: Population ageing is accelerating, and adults aged ≥75 years (the "very old") have distinct functional, cognitive, and social needs. Game-based digital interventions-including exergames, serious/digital games, and gamification-may promote multidimensional well-being; however, findings are often reported for broad "older adult" samples without age-disaggregated results. This scoping review mapped the use and effects of game-based digital interventions in adults aged ≥75 years and assessed how frequently studies reported age-specific outcomes. <b>Methods</b>: The review was conducted in accordance with JBI guidance. PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science were searched. Records were screened in Rayyan by two reviewers. Data were extracted using a standardized charting form, and outcomes were classified into predefined outcome domains and implementation-related categories. <b>Results</b>: Nineteen studies were included, predominantly European and largely conducted in supervised institutional settings. Exergames were the most common intervention type. Physical outcomes were reported most frequently, whereas cognitive, emotional, social, and quality-of-life outcomes were assessed less consistently. <b>Conclusions</b>: In adults aged ≥75 years, evidence on game-based digital interventions is mainly based on supervised exergame programmes and emphasizes physical-function outcomes, while age-disaggregated reporting and person-centred outcomes remain limited. Future research should routinely report results specific to participants aged ≥75 and broaden outcome assessment to better inform intervention design for the very old.

HealthcareVol. 14(4)
University of Insubria (IT), University of Rome Tor Vergata (IT), Università degli Studi di Enna Kore (IT), AAB College (XK), ASL Roma (IT), Evidence Based Research (United States) (US), Campus Bio Medico University Hospital (IT), Azienda Sanitaria Locale Roma 3 (IT)
Openalex Percentile: Top 65%
Technology Use by Older Adults
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