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February 14, 2026Healthcare0 citationsOpen Access

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

DIDhurata IvzikuVVValentina VanziLGLuca Guarente

Key Points

  • This review aims to explore the effects of game-based digital interventions on well-being among adults aged 75 and over.
  • Conducted in accordance with JBI guidance.
  • Systematic searches in PubMed, CINAHL, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Web of Science.
  • Two reviewers screened records using Rayyan.
  • Data extraction followed a standardized charting form to classify outcomes.
  • Included nineteen studies, predominantly from Europe and often in supervised settings.
  • Exergames emerged as the most prevalent intervention type.
  • Physical outcomes were reported most frequently, whereas cognitive and emotional outcomes were less consistent.
  • Limited age-specific and person-centred outcome reporting was noted.

Abstract

Background/Objectives: 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. Methods: 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. Results: 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. Conclusions: 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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Ivziku et al. (2026) studied this question.

synapsesocial.com/papers/699011712ccff479cfe582ddhttps://doi.org/10.3390/healthcare14040470
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