An Educational Board Game on Aging - No. S2 1035 - educational tool results

Sep 29, 2026

Uploaded by Aldword

A study presents an educational board game designed to teach geriatrics concepts and simulate aging experiences using a 4Ms approach to Age Friendly care. Feedback from 13 participants shows high satisfaction, with effectiveness rated 4.25/5 and strong performance in simulating real-life challenges (4.6/5) and incorporating what matters most (4.5/5). The game recreates common stresses such as fixed-income financial setbacks, critical decision points, and the role of random bad luck, enabling learners to experience aging challenges in a controlled environment.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages1

Reading Time3 min

AccessFree to download

Findings and participant feedback

Satisfaction and effectiveness ratings

Game design and learning mechanism

Simulated life events and decision-making

Educational value

Reinforcing geriatric concepts for learners

Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 1035 aligning with a 4Ms approach to Age Friendly care. We received feedback from n = 13 participants who all expressed high levels of satisfaction with the game. Effectiveness of the game as an educational tool was rated average 4.25 out of 5, how well it simulated real life challenges was rated average 4.6 out of 5, how well it incorporated “what matters most” was rated 4.5 out of 5. The overall rating was 4.5 and whether they would recommend the game was 4.5. Like popular poverty simulations, this game is a unique way to impart/reinforce important geriatric concepts for a wide range of learners. Participants experience the frustrations of unplanned financial setbacks with fixed incomes (e.g., losing dentures, paying for medications) as well as the importance of specific decisions (e.g., advance care planning, accruing social supports). The impact of random bad luck is also ever present. The game allows them to experience the challenges of aging in a simulated environment. Abstract citation ID: igaf122.3487 AN EDUCATIONAL BOARD GAME ON AGING THAT INCORPORATES THE 4MS AND SIMULATES AGING EXPERIENCES Sue Hazelett1, Lori Kidd2, Michele Gareri1, Denise Kropp3, Margaret Sanders3, Brandi Chrzanowski4, and Darcia Simpson5, 1. Summa Health System, Akron, Ohio, United States, 2. The University of Akron, Akron, Ohio, United States, 3. Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rootstown, Ohio, United States, 4. Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities, Green, Ohio, United States, 5. Hospice of the Western Reserve, Cleveland, Ohio, United States Innovative approaches to imparting geriatrics knowledge are needed. We will demonstrate a board game developed as part of a HRSA Geriatric Workforce Enhancement Program grant to teach important geriatric issues and simulate common geriatric experiences. The game begins by assigning participants marital status, children, income, health, and chronic conditions by chance. Participants then choose their “life goal”(i.e., either money, family/friends, or health) which guides how they play the game. Progressing through the game simulates real life events and requires decisions that are driven by each player’s goals,

FAQs

What is the main purpose of the educational board game on aging?

It teaches important geriatrics issues and simulates common aging experiences within a 4Ms approach to Age Friendly care.

How did participants rate the game’s effectiveness and realism?

Participants reported high satisfaction. Effectiveness as an educational tool was rated 4.25/5, simulating real-life challenges 4.6/5, and incorporating what matters most 4.5/5.

What types of aging experiences does the game simulate?

It simulates frustrations from unplanned financial setbacks on fixed incomes and highlights the importance of specific decisions, such as advance care planning and building social supports, with random bad luck also present.

Sep 29, 2026

Uploaded by Aldword