Does Digital Gaming Enable Healthy Ageing for Community-Dwelling People With Dementia?

Digital gaming serves as a viable and effective tool for promoting healthy aging and independence among community-dwelling individuals living with dementia. By utilizing off-the-shelf technology within structured social environments, such as Tech Clubs, these individuals can access meaningful psychosocial benefits that directly counteract the isolation and stigma frequently associated with their condition. The primary thesis posits that digital engagement is not merely a recreational activity but a powerful mechanism for cognitive maintenance, physical coordination, and the preservation of personal agency.

Research involving 29 participants—comprising 18 females and 11 males—demonstrates that individuals with dementia retain a significant capacity for lifelong learning and independent interaction with modern technology. Observations reveal that gaming sessions facilitate essential social connections, encourage reminiscence, and provide necessary mental stimulation. These activities effectively challenge pervasive negative stereotypes regarding the cognitive and physical limitations of those with dementia, proving that they can successfully navigate digital interfaces to enhance their daily well-being and alertness.

The findings suggest a paradigm shift for practitioners and caregivers, advocating for the integration of digital gaming into standard care practices. By fostering an environment that prioritizes empowerment and accessible stimulation, these tools help users resist the marginalization often imposed by their diagnosis. Ultimately, the evidence confirms that digital gaming is a practical, scalable intervention that supports the autonomy of people with dementia, allowing them to remain active, engaged members of their communities while improving their overall quality of life.