Front Porch is excited to announce the release of the Gaming to Connect (GTC) Playbook. GTC is a resident-centered, intergenerational video gaming program designed to address older adult isolation, promote mental and physical wellbeing, and foster social and community engagement by hosting approachable video-game pop-up events. With support from the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) Foundation, the GTC Playbook translates this model into a practical toolkit covering program design, best practices, accessibility strategies, guides, and ready-to-use templates to help aging-focused organizations plan and run their own inclusive gaming engagements.
Developed by the Front Porch Center for Innovation and Wellbeing (FPCIW) in partnership with AbleGamers, GTC engaged 275 Front Porch residents across 21 pop up events in 12 senior living communities throughout California. Student “tech buddy” volunteers from the USC Leonard Davis School of Gerontology, West Coast University, and Samuel Merritt University were often found playing alongside residents, adding to the welcoming atmosphere. As one participant shared, “I’m glad I learned how to play, I can’t believe I won” and “I didn’t know video games could be so fun!”
Findings from voluntary post-event surveys included:
- 100% of participants enjoyed the sessions
- 85%+ said they would invite other residents to join
- 70%+ expressed interest in gaming leagues
https://fpciw.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/15/2025/09/Gaming-to-Connect-Playbook-compressed.df
