Senior Gaming: Reminisce

Enhancing Senior Lives with Personalized, Cogntive Games

Role

Founder

Industry

Health & Fitness + Entertainment

Duration

2.5 weeks

The Problem

At senior care homes, games have remained unchanged for decades, leaving residents like Ronnie, a former flight attendant, stuck in a monotonous routine. This isn't just a small issue—it affects millions of seniors. Over 60% in assisted living struggle with severe loneliness, and 50% endure extreme boredom from repetitive, uninspiring activities. These games also do little to address the cognitive decline many seniors face, offering only basic entertainment.

Reimagining Senior Entertainment

To address these challenges, I created Reminisce—a multiplayer digital platform offering fun, cognitively stimulating games for seniors that also foster connections with loved ones. Our first game is a memory card game that replaces standard cards with personalized photographs and captions, turning each session into a meaningful journey through one’s life. Activity directors at assisted living facilities can easily set up resident profiles, allowing them to choose devices, game types, and playing partners, including family members or fellow residents. After each game, the platform provides valuable data to activity directors and updates to family members, keeping everyone informed and connected.

The Problem

Reimagining Senior Entertainment

Prototype Development

Launch and Traction: In just one week of user testing with physical prototype cards, Reminisce has gained traction in seven assisted living facilities, securing two paid letters of intent. Activity directors praise Reminisce as a simple, effective solution for engaging residents. Our goal is to expand its reach, beginning with assisted living facilities and eventually offering the platform to seniors in various communities through a freemium business model.
Physical Prototyping: The first step in the development process was creating physical, proof-of-concept cards. These initial prototypes, designed using Adobe Creative Suite, allowed me to gather valuable feedback from users, which directly informed the design improvements in subsequent iterations.
Laser Cutting & Design: Building on the insights gained from the physical prototypes, I moved to the next stage, which involved further refining the card designs in Adobe Creative Suite and laser cutting them. These prototypes featured enhanced functionality and a tactile experience that resonated with users, further validating the concept.

Digital Identity & User Interface Design

The final stage involved crafting a comprehensive digital experience. I developed a vibrant, engaging digital identity that incorporated dynamic elements, motivating users to actively engage with the platform. This digital iteration, also designed using Adobe Creative Suite, was tailored to alleviate the current pain points faced by users, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience.

a black cellphone with a white letter on it

Moving Forward

As I refine and expand Reminisce, my focus is on transforming generational connections through real-time, personalized gaming. With the support of my advisory board, including experts in gerontology and product innovation, I hope to offer not just games, but meaningful, enriching experiences.