Social Interaction Between Older Adults (80+) and Younger People During Intergenerational Digital Gameplay

摘要

The objective of this study was to explore the ways in which collaborative digital gameplay facilitates intergenerational interaction between older adults aged 80+ and younger people. Five intergenerational pairs played two Wii games once a week for six weeks. Analyzing participants' conversations during gameplay reveals that guided participation in the form of question-answer is the main way through which the two age groups can maintain shared focus and participate in the meaning-making process. Older adults play the roles of students, followers, and storytellers while younger people play the roles of teachers, leaders, encouragers, and caregivers during the game sessions. The findings also show that intergenerational play facilitates prosocial behaviors in younger people.