Cognitive benefits of older adults’ digital gameplay: A critical review

Abstract

There is growing research interest in the cognitive effects of digital games on older adults. This review systematically analyzed 34 published studies exploring the theoretical foundations, design guidelines, and empirical evidence regarding the potential of digital games to improve older adults’ cognitive function. Results indicate that while researchers are actively exploring games’ potential for cognitive intervention, (i) little work has been done to date to establish a strong theoretical foundation for this research; (ii) design and development of games for older adults has concentrated on usability and could be improved by a stronger focus on older adults’ engagement and motivation for gameplay; and (iii) evidence about their impact on cognitive functions is inconsistent, partly due to wide variations in experimental methods. Taking into account limitations of the studies, future research is recommended.

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