Promoting healthy aging through exergames among older adults: single-player vs. multi-player modes

Abstract

ABSTRACT Exergames offer a new way to exercise at home and improve mental health for older adults. Playing exergames alone, with same-sex partner or spouse is not well studied among older adults. This study aims to examine the effects of play modes of a Nintendo-Switch exergame on physiological (mean heart rate and game scores) and psychosocial (flow experience, sociability, and game experience) health of older adults. 105 older adults (mean age = 65.34 years, SD = 4.98 years, 80% women) were divided into three groups (single group vs. same-sex partner group vs. couple group) based on their intimate relationships. They played the Nintendo-Switch exergame ‘Rabbids: Adventure Party,’ which includes three mini games. Older adults’ mean heart rate, game scores, flow experience, sociability and game experience were measured after playing the exergame. The results indicate that the Nintendo-Switch exergames achieve low to moderate intensity exercise effects among participants. The single group had a significantly higher game score compared with the other two groups (F(2, 102) = 17.77, p < .001, η p 2 = 0.26). The same-sex partner group had a significantly higher flow experience (F(2, 102) = 6.13, p = .003, η p 2 = 0.11) and positive affect (F(2, 102) = 4.89, p = .009, η p 2 = 0.09) in the gaming experience than did the single group. Participants’ sociability increased significantly after playing the exergame (F(1, 102) = 39.44, p < .001, η p 2 = 0.28). This study provides insight into how to promote healthy aging at home while considering single-player and multi-play modes.