Abstract
Video games are often thought of as trite activities for younger generations. However, research in game studies over the last few decades have revealed that games can be valuable tools for growth and connection, particularly among older generations. Exploring the ways digital games can be used as tools for connection has gained increased attention in recent months with global quarantines as a result of COVID-19. This article reviews the research that has examined the utility of digital games for older adults, focusing specifically on the ways in which games can be tools for social connectedness and psychological healing for older adults and intergenerationally. Special focus will be placed on the role games can play for post-traumatic stress among first responders.
Highlights
Video games are often thought of as trite activities for younger generations
Deaths of citizens are been reported from care/nursing homes, and many health and social care workers have chosen to ‘live in’ and shield the residents from COVID-19. In this opinion piece, we have demonstrated how videogames can play a pivotal role in various societal ecosystems from the individual/digital hearth to the larger ecosystem surrounding emergency services personnel (ESP), health practitioners, and social care workers, who at present are exposed to various situations and trauma
From the standpoint of social sciences and how videogames can impact the lives of middle-and-older adults who are ageing without children
Summary
Any reports and responses or comments on the article can be found at the end of the article. In this opinion piece, we have explored contemporary literature surrounding intergenerational gaming For those citizens who are ageing without children or grandchildren, how can videogames facilitate positive health and wellbeing, social connections and reduce a sense of loneliness? As noted in their forthcoming review, Marston et al (2020) purport the paucity of existing literature surrounding technology use and deployment for ESPs in association with health, wellbeing and PTSD They provide a series of recommendations in an attempt to move this interdisciplinary work forward, and given the current situation within society (associated to COVID-19), there is the likelihood that health practitioners, and social care keyworkers may require health, wellbeing and PTSD rehabilitation/recovering in the future. Deaths of citizens are been reported from care/nursing homes, and many health and social care workers have chosen to ‘live in’ and shield the residents from COVID-19
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
