Photo: Alpo Forssell
In her doctoral dissertation, MBA Mirkka Forssell investigates how mobile and virtual reality games, as well as traditional card games, can support older adults’ learning, inclusion, and well-being. The findings show that digital games can serve as low-threshold tools for experimenting with and learning new technologies and can provide positive and engaging experiences, if games are designed with older adults’ needs and accessibility in mind. Social play, such as card games, in turn supports a sense of community and reduces experiences of loneliness. These findings are significant because, as society becomes increasingly digital, a growing number of older adults’ encounter barriers to using technology while simultaneously seeking meaningful and accessible ways to participate and stay connected with others. The results are particularly beneficial for educators, game designers, and organizations developing services for older adults who are looking for ways to promote active and healthy aging.
The doctoral dissertation of MBA Mirkka Forssell in the field of interactive technology titled Mobile, VR, and Card Games in Active Aging: From Barriers to Well-being will be publicly examined at the Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences of Tampere University on Friday, 5 June 2026.
The opponent will be Dr. Markku Häkkinen from the University of Jyväskylä and the Research & Development division of Educational Testing Service (ETS), Princeton, United States of America. The custos will be Professor Markku Turunen from the Faculty of Information Technology and Communication Sciences at Tampere University.