In the quest for innovative healthcare initiatives that promote healthy ageing, exergaming has emerged as a promising field. Combining exercise and gaming, exergaming leverages technology to engage seniors in physical activities that are both fun and beneficial to their physical and even cognitive health.
In Singapore, bGood—an initiative within the Department of Biomedical Engineering at the College of Design and Engineering (CDE), National University of Singapore (NUS)—is at the forefront of promoting healthy ageing through exergaming. Through support from the University and community partners, bGood has developed a range of exergaming solutions specifically designed for seniors. These games are tailored to address the unique physical and cognitive needs of the elderly, making exercise both accessible and enjoyable.
Benefits of Exergaming on Seniors’ Health and Wellness
Exergaming, a blend of “exercise” and “gaming”, utilises interactive video games that require physical movement to play. This innovative approach has shown significant potential in addressing ageing-related concerns. For seniors, exergaming offers several key benefits:
- Improved Mobility and Balance: Regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining mobility and balance in older adults. Exergaming provides a safe and enjoyable way for seniors to engage in exercises that enhance their physical capabilities. Studies in biomedical engineering have shown that a combination of exergaming and physical training can help improve balance control and reduce falls in seniors, improving their overall physical stability.
- Cognitive Enhancement: Cognitive decline is a common concern among the elderly. Exergaming incorporates tasks that stimulate the brain, promoting mental agility and memory retention. A 2020 review even suggested exergaming may help in delaying the progression of dementia and other cognitive impairments.
- Social Engagement: Many exergames are designed to be interactive and social, encouraging seniors to play with family members or friends. This social aspect can reduce feelings of loneliness and isolation, contributing to better mental health and emotional well-being.
- Motivation and Adherence: Traditional exercise routines can be monotonous and difficult to maintain. Exergaming, with its entertaining and engaging nature, motivates seniors to stay active. Interactive feedback, challenge, and reward systems in exergames encourage consistent participation, making it easier for seniors to incorporate physical activity into their daily lives.
How bGood’s Work Supports and Encourages Healthy Ageing in Singapore
In 2023, bGood student participants were tasked to design and develop an exergaming prototype targeting older adults in Singapore. These prototypes were tested by seniors, allowing participants to gain realistic and meaningful feedback for improving their projects further.
The project "Martial HeArts", for instance, aims to reduce muscle loss and improve cardiovascular health through physical activity. Users need to hit buttons on a dummy that will light up and can even choose between three levels of difficulty depending on their physical capabilities. This enables seniors to exercise their limbs even with limited mobility, improving their overall health.
Project "Scaredy Rat", on the other hand, aims to bridge the gaps in existing interventions and solutions for osteoporosis. As osteoporosis weakens the bones, individuals with the condition may be more prone to injury or fracture, which can decrease their capability or desire for exercise. In Scaredy Rat, users play a modified whack-a-mole game which pairs a hardware controller with a software interface. Inbuilt sensors enable users to play the game without large movements, so users can still get a workout with minimal risk of injury.
Supporting bGood’s Healthcare Initiatives and Beyond
The promising success of bGood’s exergaming prototypes underscores the importance of tech for good and the transformative impact of social impact initiatives. However, the continued development and expansion of these innovative solutions require substantial resources. This is where research funding opportunities and philanthropic support become crucial.
By supporting bGood’s work, donors can contribute to the advancement of exergaming technology and its integration into elder care. Philanthropic gifts and contributions to NUS Giving enable further research and development, ensuring that these beneficial exergaming technologies can reach more seniors and improve their quality of life. This also fosters a culture of innovation and healthy longevity, supporting an ageing population in Singapore and beyond.
Through investing in such research funding opportunities, donors help create sustainable solutions that benefit society as a whole. Through the collaborative efforts of innovative initiatives like bGood and the generous support of donors, we can harness the potential of tech for good to improve the lives of seniors.
Join us in this mission by supporting NUS and contributing to the future of exergaming and elder care through bGood.
