Play, Learn, Connect: Older Adults' Experience With a Multiplayer, Educational, Digital Bingo Game

Abstract

This mixed-methods study examined the social gameplay and learning experience of 50 adults aged 60 years or more during 4 weeks of playing a multiplayer, educational digital Bingo game with embedded learning content about nutrition and health. The first phase consisted of 4 weeks of gameplay with quantitative data collection using pretests and posttests; the second phase used postgame interviews of selected players to collect qualitative data. The results of this study showed significant improvement in players' scores for knowledge, social connectedness, and attitudes toward digital games from the pretest to the posttest. The interview data confirmed these increases and provided insights on the importance of learning, social connectedness, coplaying, and general enjoyment from playing a digital educational game. The results of this study were also consistent with earlier research studies on older adults' needs, experiences, and preferences for digital gameplay.