Emmanuel Duplàa1, David Kaufman2, Louise Sauvé3, Lise Renaud4. 1. 1 Faculty of Education, University of Ottawa , Ottawa, Canada . 2. 2 Faculty of Education, Simon Fraser University , Vancouver Burnaby, Canada . 3. 3 Department of Education, Téléuniversité , Québec, Canada . 4. 4 Faculty of Communication, UQÀM, Montréal , Canada .
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study explored the perceptions of seniors who play digital games on the potential benefits of these games and on the factors associated with these perceptions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We developed and administered a questionnaire to a sample of 590 Canadian seniors in British Columbia and Quebec that addressed demographics, digital game practices, and perceived benefits. RESULTS: Results of administering the questionnaire showed that cognitive benefits were reported more frequently than social or psychological benefits. First language and gender were associated with the benefits reported, with fewer Francophones and women reporting benefits. The most important factor found was whether or not they played online, as playing online was associated with greater perceptions of social, as well as cognitive, benefits. CONCLUSION: Social and cognitive benefits are reported by seniors from playing digital games and should be investigated through future experimental and quasi-experimental research.
OBJECTIVE: This study explored the perceptions of seniors who play digital games on the potential benefits of these games and on the factors associated with these perceptions. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We developed and administered a questionnaire to a sample of 590 Canadian seniors in British Columbia and Quebec that addressed demographics, digital game practices, and perceived benefits. RESULTS: Results of administering the questionnaire showed that cognitive benefits were reported more frequently than social or psychological benefits. First language and gender were associated with the benefits reported, with fewer Francophones and women reporting benefits. The most important factor found was whether or not they played online, as playing online was associated with greater perceptions of social, as well as cognitive, benefits. CONCLUSION: Social and cognitive benefits are reported by seniors from playing digital games and should be investigated through future experimental and quasi-experimental research.
Entities:
Keywords:
Cognitive health; Digital games; Online gameplay; Social networks; Well-being
Authors: Walter R Boot; Jerad H Moxley; Nelson A Roque; Ronald Andringa; Neil Charness; Sara J Czaja; Joseph Sharit; Tracy Mitzner; Chin Chin Lee; Wendy A Rogers Journal: Innov Aging Date: 2018-04-24