Exergames Boost Mood in Seniors, Study Finds

Review examines effects of interactive exercise games on emotional well-being of older adults.

Mar. 26, 2026 at 2:16am

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A new systematic review published in the journal Aging-US found that exergames, or interactive exercise video games, can have a positive effect on the mood of older adults. The review, led by researchers from the Santa Catarina State University in Brazil, analyzed nine studies involving 325 participants aged 61 to 78.9 years and found that exergames were associated with reductions in negative mood states like tension, anger, fatigue, and confusion, as well as improvements in overall well-being and emotional state.

Why it matters

As the population ages, finding engaging and accessible ways to support the mental health and emotional well-being of older adults is increasingly important. This review suggests that exergames, which combine physical activity with cognitive stimulation, could be a safe and effective tool for boosting mood and promoting positive mental health outcomes in this demographic.

The details

The researchers followed systematic review and meta-analysis methods, screening 651 studies and selecting nine that met the inclusion criteria. The studies represented a total of 325 participants aged 61 to 78.9 years. Across the included trials, the review found that exergames were associated with reductions in negative mood states like tension, anger, fatigue, and confusion, as well as improvements in engagement, immersion, socialization, and overall well-being and emotional state. Importantly, no studies reported worsened mood after participation in exergames.

  • The review was published on March 18, 2026 in the journal Aging-US.
  • The studies included in the review were conducted between an unspecified start date and March 2026.

The players

Camile de Bem Gaspar

Lead author of the review and researcher at the Laboratory of Sport and Exercise Psychology, Human Movement Sciences Graduate Program, College of Health and Sport Science of the Santa Catarina State University (UDESC) in Florianópolis, Brazil.

Whyllerton Mayron da Cruz

Co-author of the review and researcher at the Laboratory of Sport and Exercise Psychology, Human Movement Sciences Graduate Program, College of Health and Sport Science of the Santa Catarina State University (UDESC) in Florianópolis, Brazil.

Alexandro Andrade

Corresponding author of the review and researcher at the Laboratory of Sport and Exercise Psychology, Human Movement Sciences Graduate Program, College of Health and Sport Science of the Santa Catarina State University (UDESC) in Florianópolis, Brazil.

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What they’re saying

“The results indicate that the practice of exergames had a positive effect on the mood of older adults.”

— Alexandro Andrade, Corresponding author

What’s next

The authors call for longer-term interventions, larger and more diverse samples, and additional home-based or low-cost exergame studies to determine how durable the benefits are and how best to recommend them for older adults in real-world settings.

The takeaway

This review provides promising evidence that exergames, which combine physical activity with cognitive stimulation, could be a safe and effective tool for boosting mood and promoting positive mental health outcomes in older adults. As the population ages, finding engaging and accessible ways to support the emotional well-being of this demographic is increasingly important.