The Impact of Social Digital Games in Online Communities on Older Adults' Digital Competences

This research proposal examines how social digital games embedded within online communities might strengthen older adults' digital competences, a gap the authors argue is largely unexplored at the intersection of ageing studies, digital games, and online platforms. Framed by demographic ageing and the growing adoption of digital technologies among older people, the work asks how such games can impact these competences and aims to co-design a prototype within the miOne senior online community in Portugal, assess its effects using the DigComp 2.2 framework, and produce a model of recommendations for developers.

The study adopts an exploratory, mixed-method, quasi-experimental design organized into three development phases. The first phase combined a systematic literature review on social digital games, ageing, and digital platforms with an (inter)national questionnaire on older adults' gaming habits and preferences, conducted in partnership with a local senior institution. The second phase involves participatory co-design, drawing on interviews, focus groups, creative ideation techniques, and an expert workshop that produced personas and game concepts; a prototype is currently being conceived. The third phase plans to implement a functional prototype, test it with participants, and reassess digital competences through repeated DigComp 2.2 measurement alongside fieldnotes and interviews.

The authors anticipate three outcomes: successful recruitment and engagement of older adults, a functional prototype, and a model of design recommendations aligned with the sustainable development goals on health, education, and reduced inequalities. The research is presented as at an early stage, with the empirical impact evaluation still ahead. The authors also note that a planned European doctoral extension would broaden its geographic reach. The work is expected to contribute to ageing studies, digital games research, digital platform design, and the understanding of how older adults acquire digital skills.