Serious games have become an innovative approach in healthcare, particularly for managing chronic pain in the elderly. Based on research published by Universitas Airlangga, this non-pharmacological approach is gaining attention due to its potential benefits in helping elderly patients manage their pain. This article will explore how serious games can be effectively used in chronic pain therapy and why this approach is relevant to the broader community.
What Are Serious Games?
Serious games are games designed not just for entertainment but to achieve specific goals, such as education, training, or therapy. In the context of healthcare, these games are used as therapeutic tools to help patients deal with specific health issues, including chronic pain.
Chronic pain is a common condition among the elderly and often reduces their quality of life. Traditional treatments usually involve the use of medications, which can have side effects. Therefore, many experts are turning to safer and more enjoyable alternative methods, one of which is the use of serious games.
How Do Serious Games Help Manage Chronic Pain?
Serious games work by diverting the patient’s attention away from the pain they are experiencing through interaction with the game. This allows the patient to focus on enjoyable activities, which, in turn, reduces their perception of pain. Moreover, these games can enhance the patient’s physical and cognitive activity, both of which contribute to reducing chronic pain symptoms.
Research shows that the use of serious games in chronic pain therapy can stimulate the production of endorphins, hormones that help reduce pain naturally. Elderly participants who regularly engage in serious game sessions experience significant improvements in their ability to manage pain, as well as an increase in emotional and psychological well-being.
Advantages of Serious Games Compared to Traditional Methods
- Reduced Dependence on Medication: Many elderly patients who use pain medications over the long term may develop dependencies and experience unwanted side effects. With serious games, they can reduce the need for medication and avoid these risks.
- Enjoyable Therapy: Compared to conventional therapy, serious games are more engaging because they involve elements of play. This encourages the elderly to participate more actively, contributing to greater consistency in therapy.
- Improved Social Interaction: Some serious games are designed for group play, encouraging social interaction. This is especially important for elderly individuals who often feel lonely or isolated.
Challenges in Implementation
Despite its many benefits, implementing serious games in chronic pain therapy for the elderly is not without challenges. One of the main challenges is adapting to technology. Many elderly individuals are not familiar with digital technology, so they require time and support to make full use of these games. Additionally, developing games that cater to the needs and physical limitations of the elderly is another crucial aspect that must be considered.
Conclusion
Serious games hold great potential as an alternative method for managing chronic pain in the elderly. In addition to offering a safe, non-invasive approach, these games also provide psychological and social benefits that conventional therapies cannot offer. Further research and the development of more user-friendly games are expected to pave the way for wider adoption in the medical field.
Thus, serious games are not just about entertainment but are also an effective tool for improving the quality of life for elderly individuals with chronic pain.
Link Journal : https://scholar.unair.ac.id/en/publications/efficacy-of-serious-games-for-chronic-pain-management-in-older-ad