Persuading older adults to socialize and exercise through ambient games

Abstract

Families are increasingly using Social Networking Sites (SNS) to keep in touch. Building upon our prior work and using the results from 6 participatory design sessions, we present the design of two ubiquitous exergames: GuessMyCaption and TakeAPhoto. These games use family memoirs available in SNS and natural interfaces to encourage older adults to exercise. We further describe the implementation of GuessMyCaption and the results of a 5-weeks deployment study with one older adult and 12 relatives. The system maintained the older adult engaged with her exercises while offering new opportunities for online and offline social encounters. We close discussing that the use of natural interfaces and family memorabilia facilitated the adoption of the game and catalyzed family social encounters.