Madrid in Game co-organizes the ‘Intergenerational Gaming Days’: video games as therapy and a bridge between seniors and children

· The Esports Center at the Video Game Campus hosted 100 elementary school children and 25 elderly people with cognitive decline for a day of mutual learning through video games.

· The initiative, promoted by Golden Gamers, aimed to break down prejudices about the relationship between older adults and new technologies, demonstrating the positive impact of video games on the cognitive, physical, and emotional stimulation of seniors.

· Madrid in Game reinforces its commitment to the responsible and educational use of gaming, expanding the social perception of video games and showcasing their potential beyond entertainment.

Madrid, March 24, 2025 – Madrid in Game, an initiative by the Madrid City Council to promote the video game and gamification industry, hosted the 2nd Intergenerational Gaming Days: Playing Together, Connecting Hearts. During this event, 100 fourth-grade students from CEIP José Hierro shared multiplayer gaming sessions with elderly participants from the Florencia Day Centers living with cognitive decline, using gaming as a tool for generational connection.

Held at the Esports Center of the Video Game Campus, the event aimed to highlight the benefits of video games in stimulating cognitive, physical, and emotional abilities in older adults, while creating a space for mutual teaching and learning between generations. The initiative sought to break the stigma surrounding the elderly and new technologies, proving the positive impact of video games in preventing Alzheimer’s and other dementias.

The driving force behind this innovative initiative that bridges children and seniors through video games is Golden Gamers. Founded by Gloria Sánchez-Carnenero and Alejandro Morillas in 2024, the project has practically demonstrated the benefits of video games for older people through a range of activities combining different play dynamics with non-therapeutic commercial games. “Video games are powerful tools that, when used properly, can improve the quality of life of our seniors by stimulating their minds and strengthening emotional bonds,” said Morillas during the event. “This experience proves that it’s never too late to dive into the digital world and that we can all learn and enjoy together, no matter our age,” added Sánchez-Carnenero.

Eight gaming stations were set up at the Esports Center—an eSports venue open to the public seven days a week—each equipped with a screen. Students rotated through the stations to try different titles alongside the seniors. Participants enjoyed games like The Crew 2 and Mario Kart 8, which evoked the sensation of driving; Super Mario Party, which encouraged coordination and teamwork; Hogwarts Legacy, which helped stimulate memory and imagination; and SackBoy and Astro-Bot, focused on motor skills and coordination.

One of the most meaningful takeaways from the event was the importance of preserving and sharing the memories of older generations through video games, allowing their stories to live on in future generations. Technology and the past of our elders are connected, and experiences like this one help rescue and meaningfully relive those memories. These sessions prove that the key to bridging the generational gap lies in shared experiences that place both generations on equal footing, promoting mutual respect and connection between children and seniors—made possible here through the power of technology and gaming.

This second edition solidifies Madrid in Game’s commitment to broadening the social perception of video games, breaking away from outdated stigmas and showcasing their potential in educational and therapeutic fields. It also highlights the vital role seniors play in education, helping society adopt a more inclusive and positive view of both aging and gaming.