Tackling the challenge of the aging society : Detecting and preventing cognitive and physical decline through games and consumer technologies

Objectives: This study seeks to review some of the approaches employed to address health and well-being issues in the elderly population. Methods: This article reviews and analyses a range of projects and approaches designed for the elderly population and aimed at preserving and/or enhancing physical and cognitive capabilities in later life. Results: Various intervention measures have been developed across the globe to preserve and/or enhance physical and cognitive capabilities of the elderly population. A selection of these measures is described in this article. Conclusions: Approaches which combine games psychology and mechanics with enabling technologies designed to engage, influence and motivate elderly people can encourage healthy active aging lifestyles. Healthy active aging helps to realise a double dividend of reduced healthcare costs and an improved quality of life for the elder citizen.