Can video games help Hong Kong's aging population master their own health?

Health · Published 7 October 2026 Swipe more like this →

In short: As Hong Kong faces shifting social landscapes, researchers are looking toward exergames to bridge the gap in elderly care. Beyond just physical movement, these digital tools are being tested to see if they can foster lasting exercise habits and a stronger sense of health ownership among older adults.

In Hong Kong, a pilot study involving 33 older adults explored the impact of a community-based exergame program. Unlike traditional research that focuses strictly on physical or cognitive outcomes, this study investigated behavioral shifts, such as the development of sustained exercise habits and a sense of health ownership—the ability to self-manage one's own well-being. This research specifically targets the barriers that often prevent older individuals from adhering to regular exercise routines.

The program consisted of 12 supervised training sessions over six weeks, followed by a four-week free-play period. Each 30-minute session required participants to play three different games for 10 minutes each. The results showed significant positive associations with exergame play habits and health ownership, as well as an increase in total physical activity levels. Statistical analysis using repeated-measures models confirmed these improvements in metabolic equivalent of task levels. The study also utilised Spearman correlation to evaluate the link between motivation and frequency.

Adherence remained high at 75.80% during the post-training period. Researchers found that social connection and enjoyment were the primary drivers for those who continued to play. This suggests that for community-led programs to succeed in fostering active aging, they must prioritize social cohesion and the inherent pleasure of the activity. Data indicated that social and enjoyment-based motivations were positively correlated with gameplay frequency. This highlights the importance of relational resonance in maintaining long-term engagement.

While the political landscape in Hong Kong has seen significant shifts, such as the enactment of the national security law in 2020, community-based health interventions continue to seek innovative ways to promote lifestyle adjustments and environmental mastery among the elderly population. Such initiatives may help foster social cohesion within the community. They offer a potential pathway for non-governmental organisations to support active aging.

General information, not professional advice. Spotted an error? Flag the card or see corrections and complaints.

Intellect Plus is a visual educational discovery platform for exploring fascinating facts and ideas. Brain Food, Not Brain Rot. What is Intellect Plus?

Related

• The science of aging in Singapore's first satellite town
• Can digital play act as a shield against modern burnout?
• Beyond entertainment: how 2.6 billion gamers are reshaping the global economy
• Why physical movement is a biological necessity for cognitive health
• Does cognitive decline in video games really begin as early as age twenty-four?
• The fine line between healing a body and redesigning a human
• The invisible architecture governing the world's high-speed rail networks
• The invisible standards ensuring your electric vehicle actually charges
• From Weapons to Wagons: The Industrial Evolution of Hitachi Rail Italy
• From 19th-century shipyards to space rockets and global engine scandals
• The credibility gap of a Hong Kong leader
• Beyond the Sport: How Games Become Arenas for Political Signaling

More in Future Frontier · More in Health · Latest · A–Z · All topics