ACH Group’s Stay in the Game video gaming challenge was held from 19 April – 28 May 2021 and saw over 300 older South Australians involved.

The online challenge invited people aged 65+ to play their favourite online games and video games with family and friends to promote physical activity and social connection, while several in-person gaming arcades were held in metropolitan Adelaide.

Throughout the challenge participants set and tracked their own goals and there were prizes to win including the main prize of ‘SA Gamer of the Year’ won by David.

David was first introduced to video games after he and his wife purchased Nintendo Switches for their grandchildren. After playing a few games on the Nintendo Switch with his grandkids David went out and bought a console for himself.

Since then and throughout the Challenge David has experienced many health and social benefits from playing video games.

“I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis 12 months ago and was looking for ways to maintain my fitness level and joint movement. My Rheumatologist suggested to me to try the Nintendo Switch Ring Fit program,” he said.

“I have not looked back; the Ring Fit Game has increased by overall fitness. It has improved my balance issues, joint mobility, exercise tolerance, core and upper body strength. The Stay in the Game Challenge made me more motivated to use the game regularly.

 “The Challenge also really facilitated bringing me and my grandchildren closer together and has contributed to filling the age and technology gap between us all. We have so much fun together.”

David won an Oculus VR headset. The Physical Fitness Through Gaming, Friendship and Connection and Intergenerational awards were also given to three challenge participants.

Stay in the Game was funded under the South Australian Government Statewide Wellbeing Strategy, led by Wellbeing SA.