Longitudinal Evaluation of Casual Puzzle Tablet Games by Older Adults

Despite growing interest in mobile games for older adults, there is limited exploration of older adults' gaming behaviors, perceptions, and experiences as they engage with casual puzzle games over a period of time. To address this, we conducted a 9-month study with 20 older adults, examining training needs, in-situ experiences, and preferences. Participants were trained on tablet PCs and ten selected games. During the study, participants documented their experiences and attended technology workshops. Gaming behaviors were logged and analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, revealing patterns and statistically significant differences in play frequency and duration over the course of the study. Thematic analysis identified facilitators and barriers to engagement such as customization, co-play experiences, and health issues. Based on these findings, we recommend incorporating educational elements, enhancing user control, leveraging identity and nostalgia, supporting social interactions, designing for tangible interaction, and emphasizing the importance of learning aids. Future research should test the effectiveness of these recommendations in increasing older adults' engagement with casual games.