Empathic Games and Older Adults: A Systematic Literature Review on Empathic Gaming and Aging Populations

Vinicius Ferreira Galvão; Aline Elias Cardoso Verhalen; Kamila Rios da Hora Rodrigues

doi:10.5753/jbcs.2026.5543

Authors

Vinicius Ferreira Galvão University of São Paulo https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0556-5003
Aline Elias Cardoso Verhalen University of São Paulo https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8118-2584
Kamila Rios da Hora Rodrigues University of São Paulo https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9176-8709

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.5753/jbcs.2026.5543

Keywords:

Systematic Literature Review, Older Adults, Video Games, Empathetic Games, Active Aging

Abstract

Empathic games simulate real-life challenges to foster players’ understanding of complex situations, such as daily medical practice, financial stress, or coping with grief. While these games have been used to support physical and cognitive health across age groups, little is known about older adults’ engagement with them. To understand the breath and lenght of this knowledge gap, a systematic literature review (SLR) following a structured PRISMA protocol was performed. The papers inside the Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, IEEE, DBLP and ACM databases were examined, without consideration for a set time period, using keywords related to “empathic games” and “older adults.” Studies were included if they investigated digital games with empathetic elements targeting adults aged 60+. Two HCI specialists independently screened titles, abstracts, and full texts in a two-round process, applying predefined inclusion/exclusion criteria. Of 205 identified records, 15 met the final criteria. Findings suggest empathic games can positively influence issues such as loneliness, depression, and family dynamics among the senior citizens. However, significant gaps remain regarding usability needs, player preferences, and profiles. These results highlight the need for further research to guide the effective design of empathetic games for older adults and to explore sensitive emotional topics.

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