The effectiveness and benefits of digital gaming on older people’s functioning and activity, and its suitability in 24-hour assisted living
Thesis event information
Date and time of the thesis defence
Place of the thesis defence
Lecture hall F202, Kontinkangas Campus
Topic of the dissertation
The effectiveness and benefits of digital gaming on older people’s functioning and activity, and its suitability in 24-hour assisted living
Doctoral candidate
Master of Health Sciences Saara Kukkohovi
Faculty and unit
University of Oulu Graduate School, Faculty of Medicine, Research unit of Health Sciences and Technology
Subject of study
Nursing science
Opponent
Professor Elina Haavisto, Tampere University
Custos
Docent Satu Elo, University of Oulu
Digital gaming can enhance functioning and increase physical and social activity among older people in 24-hour assisted living
Supporting the functioning and activity of older people living in 24-hour assisted living is important, yet opportunities for meaningful activities may be limited. Digital games have also been developed for older people, but there is still limited research evidence on their use as part of restorative care.
This doctoral dissertation investigated how digital gaming affects the functioning and activity of older people and how well it can be integrated into everyday life in 24-hour assisted living. The findings suggest that digital gaming can support the functioning of older people in several ways and is suitable for a care environment where the majority of residents have dementia.
The dissertation consisted of four sub-studies. These studies synthesized previous international research evidence, evaluated the feasibility of a digital gaming intervention in 24-hour assisted living, and examined the effects of digital gaming on the functioning and activity of older people. In addition, the experiences of care staff regarding the benefits of digital gaming and its suitability for Finnish 24-hour assisted living were explored.
The findings showed that digital gaming improved the physical functioning of older people when gameplay required physical activity. In addition, digital gaming enhanced social functioning and increased both physical and social activity among older people. Based on the experiences of care staff, digital gaming provided both short-term and long-term benefits for older people's functioning. These benefits included support for cognitive abilities, improvements in mood and alertness, and opportunities for social interaction. Furthermore, digital gaming was perceived to support meaningful and active daily lives for older people and to assist staff in organizing activities. Factors influencing the successful implementation of digital gaming included staff attitudes and competence.
Based on the findings, digital gaming is a promising method for supporting the functioning, activity, and well-being of older people in 24-hour assisted living. It can provide meaningful activities for older people and offer new opportunities for rehabilitative nursing care. Successful implementation of digital gaming requires staff commitment, a positive attitude toward the use of new technologies, and sufficient competence in utilizing technology to promote the functioning of older people.
Password for online stream: 916863
This doctoral dissertation investigated how digital gaming affects the functioning and activity of older people and how well it can be integrated into everyday life in 24-hour assisted living. The findings suggest that digital gaming can support the functioning of older people in several ways and is suitable for a care environment where the majority of residents have dementia.
The dissertation consisted of four sub-studies. These studies synthesized previous international research evidence, evaluated the feasibility of a digital gaming intervention in 24-hour assisted living, and examined the effects of digital gaming on the functioning and activity of older people. In addition, the experiences of care staff regarding the benefits of digital gaming and its suitability for Finnish 24-hour assisted living were explored.
The findings showed that digital gaming improved the physical functioning of older people when gameplay required physical activity. In addition, digital gaming enhanced social functioning and increased both physical and social activity among older people. Based on the experiences of care staff, digital gaming provided both short-term and long-term benefits for older people's functioning. These benefits included support for cognitive abilities, improvements in mood and alertness, and opportunities for social interaction. Furthermore, digital gaming was perceived to support meaningful and active daily lives for older people and to assist staff in organizing activities. Factors influencing the successful implementation of digital gaming included staff attitudes and competence.
Based on the findings, digital gaming is a promising method for supporting the functioning, activity, and well-being of older people in 24-hour assisted living. It can provide meaningful activities for older people and offer new opportunities for rehabilitative nursing care. Successful implementation of digital gaming requires staff commitment, a positive attitude toward the use of new technologies, and sufficient competence in utilizing technology to promote the functioning of older people.
Password for online stream: 916863
Created 21.10.2026 | Updated 21.10.2026