Social Benefits of Digital Gaming for Older Adults: The Example of Wii Bowling

This research study investigated whether playing a digital game, Wii Bowling, with others can enhance the social lives of older adults. Our research used a mixed methods approach. Quantitative results showed that participants’ perceptions of social connectedness increased and loneliness declined over an 8-week period. Qualitative results described participants’ positive perceptions of their interactions with others, conversations with family and friends, social connections, and the team experience relating to playing in the multi-week, multi-location Wii Bowling tournament.