Play provides social connection for older adults with serious mental illness: A grounded theory analysis of a 10-week exergame intervention.

The number of older adults with serious mental illness (SMI) is predicted to reach 15 million by 2030. Social isolation is known to contribute to morbidity and mortality, and those with SMI experience more social isolation than older adults in the general population. Social isolation in these older adults is complex and involves factors including organic psychopathology, effects of medications and/or other substances, medical co-morbidity, disability, and social stigma. The burgeoning field of inquiry of exergames, which are video games with gestural interfaces, for older adults has found that they are safe, effective, enjoyable, and may decrease social isolation. This qualitative study was conducted to gain insight into the effects of group exergame play on the psychosocial wellbeing of older adults with SMI. We explored the psychosocial effects of a 10-week group exergame program for 16 older adults with SMI using grounded theory methodology within a symbolic interactionist framework. Participants experienced positive social contact, engaged in social attunement, and expressed motivation to take risks and face problem-solving and physical challenges. Two interrelated concepts emerged from the integrated data: Social connectedness and competence. The theoretical construct that was abducted from these concepts was that play and playfulness were the vehicle for many interacting social processes to take place. Group play through exergames for older adults with SMI may promote recovery and healthy aging by increasing social integration, improving self-efficacy, and promoting physical health through exercise.