Games keep you forever young in mind and body

Abstract

In 2012, people aged 65 or above accounted for nearly one-fifth of the population of the European Union [1] and this figure is expected to reach 30 % by 2060 [2]. In other words, we are witnessing a demographic shift: the number of seniors who need support is growing whilst there is a decline in the percentage of the working population contributing to their support. This disproportion and the resulting tensions in the health and care system is one of the so-called “grand challenges [3]” that the EU is called to face. In this context, this speech will give an overview of several research approaches and studies, as well as design and development activities for games, including examples and lessons learned ranging from preventative healthcare in teen-agers through (home) rehabilitation and active ageing, to new emerging technology trends such as the oculus rift® and the omni virtuix®.