Intergenerational Play Between Young People and Old Family Members: Patterns, Benefits, and Challenges

The purpose of this study was to explore the patterns, benefits and challenges of intergenerational play between young people and their old family members (i.e., parents, grandparents, and uncles/aunts). A total of 308 responses were collected from young people aged 15+ using an online survey. The results showed that young people generally did not frequently play digital games with family members; however when they did, they reported that intergenerational play was a fun way for them to bond with family members. In addition, skill gaps, different cohort knowledge, and old adults’ physical and cognitive declines were the main factors that had negative impacts on smooth intergenerational game play. The biggest challenge that participants faced was explaining game rules and mechanisms using words understandable to old family members.

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