Technology-Enabled Recreation and Leisure Programs and Activities for Older Adults With Cognitive Impairment: Rapid Scoping Review
Authors: Kokorelias Kristina Marie , McMurray Josephine , Chu Charlene , Astell Arlene , Grigorovich Alisa , Kontos Pia , Babineau Jessica , Bytautas Jessica , Ahuja Ashley , Iaboni Andrea 
Published: June 2024

Background

Recreational and leisure activities significantly contribute to the well-being of older adults, positively impacting physical, cognitive, and mental health. However, limited mobility and cognitive decline often impede access to these activities, particularly for individuals living with dementia. With the increasing availability of digital technologies, there is a rising interest in using technology to deliver recreation and leisure activities for cognitively impaired individuals, acknowledging its potential to provide diverse experiences. The COVID-19 pandemic further highlighted the need for virtual program delivery, especially for individuals in long-term care settings, leading to the development of tools like the Dementia Isolation Toolkit aimed at supporting compassionate isolation. To better support future implementations of the DIT, our rapid scoping review explores evidence-based, technology-enabled recreation programs for older adults with cognitive impairments, which promote well-being.

Objective

We conducted a rapid scoping review of published peer-reviewed literature to answer the following research question: What recreation and leisure programs or activities are being delivered using technology to adults living with dementia or another form of cognitive impairment?

Methods

In total, 6 databases were searched by an Information Specialist. Single reviewers performed title or abstract review, full-text screening, data extraction, and study characteristic summarization.

Results

A total of 92 documents representing 94 studies were identified. The review identified a variety of technology-enabled delivery methods, including robots, gaming consoles, tablets, televisions, and computers, used to engage participants in recreational and leisure activities. These technologies impacted mood, cognition, functional activity, and overall well-being among older adults with cognitive impairments. Activities for socializing were the most common, leveraging technologies such as social robots and virtual companions, while relaxation methods used virtual reality and digital reminiscence therapy. However, challenges included technological complexity and potential distress during reminiscing activities, prompting recommendations for diversified research settings, and increased sample sizes to comprehensively understand technology's impact on leisure among this demographic.

Conclusions

The findings suggest that technology-enabled recreational activities, such as socializing, relaxation and self-awareness activities, music and dance, exergaming, and art, can positively impact the mood and overall well-being of older adults with cognitive impairment. Future research should embrace a more inclusive approach, integrating design, diverse settings, and a broader sample of older adults to develop technology-driven leisure activities tailored to their unique needs and promote their effective use.