First, we intended to co-design and develop a new exergame alongside older participants to tailor the game mechanics and optimize their adherence and enjoyment for exercise. A co-design process can significantly contribute to product development, reducing social stigma, empowering users, and giving voice to patient groups in the creation process. Moreover, different processes and activities should be considered to increase engagement in the exergame. Before implementing an exergame, the needs, wishes, and motivation of the intended players should be assessed, for example, by applying user-centered design methods. We assumed that an exergame designed specifically for older people could produce better outcomes and engagement. In addition, studies should verify whether exergames can positively affect the health outcomes of participants. Īlthough several studies report that exercising with other people influences the motivation of older people, further research is needed to verify whether the practice of exergaming in the same conditions as the conventional exercise may increase adherence.
Socializing, either through cooperation or competition, has been investigated as a motivational factor mentioned by players who prefer exergaming with peers.
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Practices that combine the advantages of group-based exercise instructed by a professional can increase effectiveness through a personalized program with specific exercise routines, keeping older people motivated to exercise. In contrast, social interaction is the central aspect mentioned by older people as a reason for joining group exercises. Studies indicate that the practice of physical activity when performed alone does not show good adherence by older people because of the lack of motivation. Furthermore, a generic approach is not the best solution to engage older people thus, exergames need to be personalized to match their goals and performance levels. However, a considerable part of the available exergames is from commercial sources, generally not designed exclusively for older people or based on specific protocols. In addition, they present motivational factors such as performance evaluation and feedback, which may reduce dropout rates. Exercise routines based on digital games are promising to keep players physically and socially motivated. This type of game uses motion sensors to capture the player’s actual movements, stimulating physical interaction. In this perspective, exergames are presented as safe and beneficial resources for the practice of physical exercises by older people. The search for appropriate and attractive ways to engage older people in physical exercise is a challenging process.
However, despite the advantages of exercise routines, physical inactivity is highly prevalent among older people, and they might find it difficult to meet the minimum recommended activity levels needed to maintain health benefits. Frequent and regular physical exercise is an appropriate recommendation, as it can prevent numerous age-related declines, improve functional capacity, and improve quality of life.
To reduce functional decline, health professionals recommend physical activity, as it positively influences physical aptitude, cognition, and overall health conditions. For older people, decreased functional capacity may negatively influence the performance of daily activities and everyday life, interfering with the person’s independence, which is directly associated with impairments in functional performance. Functional capacity expresses an individual’s capacity to perform submaximal activities.
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