Fostering intergenerational communication through games
An exploratory study on metaphorical life games in family settings
Bibliographic Data
| ID | 22076406 |
|---|---|
| Authors | Ming-xi Sun (Soochow University), Zhi-Feng Zhao (Soochow University, corresponding author), Huan Liu (0000-0001-8772-1545, Soochow University) |
| Year | 2025 |
| Volume | 13 |
| Pages | 1532603-1532603 |
| Publication date | 2025-05-14 |
| Peer Reviewed | Yes |
| Open Access | Yes |
| Type | ARTICLE |
| Venue | Frontiers in Public Health (JOURNAL) |
| Journal identifiers | ISSN: 2296-2565 • E-ISSN: 2296-2565 |
| Publisher | Frontiers Media SA (PUBLISHER • CH) |
| DOI | 10.3389/fpubh.2025.1532603 |
| PMID | 40438057 |
| OpenAlex | W4410361700 |
| Language | EN |
| Citations received | 1 |
| References cited | 27 |
Introduction: Existing research indicates that life review is a crucial means of enhancing intergenerational communication. However, how to effectively facilitate this process through gamification in family settings remains unclear. This study explores how metaphorical life games can promote communication between older adults and adolescents during life review activities, highlighting the relationship between dialogue themes and game design elements that encourage meaningful interaction. Methods: We played a commercial game by recruiting 24 pairs of family members to play together. Younger partners asked older participants about their relevant memories during the game. The experimental data were analyzed inductively based on thematic analysis. Results and discussion: This study identified the effectiveness of life review through metaphorical games in facilitating communication in intergenerational family relationships by three core mechanisms: communication climate creation, symmetrical intergenerational interaction, and metaphorical expression elaboration. Intergenerational family engagement in metaphorical life games can effectively improve mutual communion and provide game design inspiration for digital games that support intergenerational life review. These findings offer new insights into life metaphor game design strategies and the mechanisms that enhance intergenerational communication
Exploratory research · Family life · Sociology · Aging and Gerontology Research · Computer Science · Identity, Memory, and Therapy · Psychology · Technology Use by Older Adults
Point of view in personal memories
Intergenerational support and depressive symptoms in old age
Two decades of game concepts in digital learning environments – A bibliometric study and research agenda
Reminiscence as the cure of souls in early old age
Celebrating fifty years of research and applications in reminiscence and life review
Intergenerational communities
Benefits and Factors Influencing the Design of Intergenerational Digital Games
A starting point for your journey, not a map’
Technologies for fostering intergenerational connectivity and relationships
Digital Games as a Source of Enjoyment in Later Life
Beyond Entertainment
Never Too Old to Play
Beyond the Nuclear Family
| Unique citing works | 1 |
|---|---|
| Citations per year | 1 |
| Citation span | 2025 - 2025 (1) |
| Citation velocity | recent |
| Highly cited | No |
| Citation types | Neutral: 1 |