Evidence on Digital Games and Loneliness

What types of games and what is the purpose behind game play?

• social interaction and support (Yue et al., 2025

• older adults' values and expectations for online socializing games (Janssen et al., 2023

• social gaming apps (Chatel et al., 2024

• review of digital games and loneliness, multiple game types (Jung & Yu, 2025

Mediators: 

• social interaction leads to perceived social support, which improves mood and loneliness (Yue et al., 2025; Jung & Yu, 2025)

• meaningful communication, reciprocity, social connection (Janssen et al., 2023

Moderators: 

• user motivation 

• usability and design fit

• stigma and self-identify as lonely

How physical activity and social play are combined in examples like Wii bowling, VR sports, and coordination games. Exergames improve physical health, cognitive function, and engagement. Social and co-play elements can reduce loneliness and boost enjoyment.

• social exergames (Brox et al., 2011

• VR exergames (Song et al., 2025

• Information and Communication Technology (ICT) interventions using digital games as tools for therapeutic (or educational) intervention (Choi & Lee, 2021; Larsson et al., 2020

Mediators:

• physical activity leads to better mood, self-efficacy

• shared play leads to social connection, belonging

Moderators:

•  mobility, stability, cybersickness, complexity of hardware in VR games

• availability in group settings or costs associated with home use

What conditions enable gameplay? How can seniors access and benefit from online games as a means of loneliness intervention?

Minge & Cymek (2025) identify that some seniors prefer gentle gamefication, while others find it childish, and that motivation and prior attitudes moderate responses.

Xia & Zhu (2025) identify that higher digital literacy is supported through self-management and stronger social/family support

Mangra (2023) highlights that seniors' digital skills are limited but growing and social supports can help seniors overcome the digital divide

• gamified vs non-gamefied ICT training (Minge & Cymek, 2025)

• digital literacy and older adults use of community services (Xia & Zhu, 2025

• seniors experience with technology, support networks such as seniors day clubs (Mangra, 2023

Moderators:

• digital literacy, comfort with technology

• presence of human support by family, social workers, seniors day clubs

Mediators:

• gender - women potentially more open to support and socializing (Mangra, 2023

• age - potentially old-old age find communication and social groups confusing and anxiety-provoking (Mangra, 2023

Information and Computer Technology (ICT) interventions such as robots, platforms, specialized apps, and games tend to reduce loneliness and increase social participation, though evidence is mixed and still emerging.

• systemic review of Information and Computer Technology (ICT) interventions (Choi & Lee, 2021

• evidence map (Larsson et al., 2020

• mobile serious game design (Sales de Carvelho & Ishitani, 2013

When designing for seniors, game design should consider usability and motivation. Seniors need to find meaning and understand the benefits of games while respecting their own autonomy and dignity.