Social Benefits of Playing Wii Bowling for Older Adults

This research study investigated whether playing a digital game, Wii Bowling, with others can enhance the social life of older adults. Our research used a mixed-methods approach. Results showed that players’ levels of social connectedness increased and loneliness declined over an 8-week period. Qualitative results described participants’ perceptions of their interactions with others, conversations with family and friends, social connections, and the team experience relating to playing in the multi week, multilocation Wii Bowling tournament.