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Older adult gamers: patterns of use and opinions on the benefits of digital gameplay

Resource type
Thesis type
(Thesis) M.A.
Date created
2013-12-11
Authors/Contributors
Abstract
In our current aging society, there is a need to focus on successful aging and increasing the quality of life of older adults to allow them to maintain independence and well-being. Digital games are a form of technology that could help. This study consisted of an online survey of 50 older adults (55+) who play digital games. Respondents were recruited primarily from online gaming and social media websites. The questionnaire asked about respondents’ characteristics, patterns of use, play with others, game choice, and opinions about the benefits and difficulties of digital games. There also was a specific focus on whether there were any changes in certain psychosocial, cognitive and computer skills. Cognitive abilities had the highest reported increases; however, connecting with others, which may improve social capital, showed an increase as well as computer skills. Cross-tabulations revealed a number of interesting relationships between specific variables that suggest areas for further research.
Document
Identifier
etd8196
Copyright statement
Copyright is held by the author.
Permissions
The author granted permission for the file to be printed and for the text to be copied and pasted.
Scholarly level
Supervisor or Senior Supervisor
Thesis advisor: Kaufman, David
Member of collection
Download file Size
etd8196_SHausknecht.pdf 3.63 MB

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