Life Review Using a Life Metaphoric Game to Promote Intergenerational Communication

This study explores whether a life metaphoric game (LMG) can effectively facilitate communication between senior participants (SPs) and young adult partners (YPs) during a life review (LR) activity. LRs provide older adults with opportunities to organize their past experiences, rediscover the meaning of life, and prepare for their future life and eventual death. We held workshops in which 33 SPs (middle-aged and older adults ages 51–85) co-played a commercial game, titled “Long Journey of Life,” paired with YPs (ages 19–23). The YPs asked SPs about their associated memories during the LR activity. Through inductive thematic analysis, we found seven communication themes during the LR activity: reminiscence, future and death preparation, life advice, appreciation and evaluation, small talks involving self-disclose, interpretation of metaphors, and explanation of control method. We studied the relationships between communication themes and game design elements that promote conversation. In addition, we identified how participants’ responses to the game differ depending on the player’s characteristics and generation. Game design suggestions for an effective intergenerational LR using digital games were offered.