Older adults and use of video games

Abstract

Digital technologies are having a profound impact on all aspects of our lives and are driving major societal changes. The use of information and communication technologies in education is one of the fastest developing areas of research, but there is still a digital divide and a need for action in lifelong learning to empower older adults. Our aim was to understand the profile of older adults who use videogames and to identify the factors behind their use and their relationship with certain aspects of health and well-being (self-perceived health status, cognitive and physical functioning, psychological and social well-being). With this aim, we assessed the use and acceptance of different types of technology and how these might be influenced by different factors, such as older adults' age, gender and level of education. Results obtained suggest that there are significant differences between the frequency of video game use and age, gender, educational level and previous experience with digital technology, but no significant differences by gender were found in overall technology use. In conclusion, this study could contribute to the design of lifelong learning approaches for older people that can take advantage of the benefits offered by video games and other technologies to leave no one behind.

Keywords:

• older adults
• video games use
• digital transformation
• lifelong learning
• the future of societies
• information and communication technologies

Subject classification codes:

• 610800

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).

Additional information

Funding

This work was supported by the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation and co-funded by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) (UE) [Ref. PID2019-107, 826GB-I00].

Notes on contributors

Sacramento Pinazo-Hernandis

Sacramento Pinazo-Hernandis. Full Professor, University of Valencia. Her research focuses on psychological well-being and social and intergenerational relationships during aging, and new technologies.

Rosa Redolat

Rosa Redolat. Professor, University of Valencia. Her research focuses on health during aging, mental health and new technologies.

Antonio Victor Martin

Antonio Victor Martin. Professor at the University of Salamanca. He is a researcher of the Research Group Processes, Spaces and Educational Practices and Director of EDUSAL-LAB (Laboratory of Social Transfer of educational knowledge). Member of the Biomedical Research Institute of Salamanca (IBSAL).

Alicia Murciano-Hueso

Alicia Murciano-Hueso. International Doctorate in Education (2022), Degree in Sociology (2017) and Official Master's Degree in Teacher Training (2018), University of Salamanca. Her line of research focuses on older adults, educational technology and socioemotional development.