Managing Type 2 diabetes in older age isn’t just about medication and diet — it’s about lifestyle, routine and social support.
Leisure-based recreation can help form those routines.
As diversional therapists we encourage games that build habit-loops, social connection and accessible challenge.
Consider a “Weekly Game & Chat” event: play easy board games like Sushi Go!, Splendor or cooperative role-playing one-shots, either in-person or via online platforms like BoardGameArena.
Discuss how the week’s games relate to real choices: “I saved my colour gems like I saved carbs today.”
Encourage one social contact between sessions (a game buddy text).
Literature shows older adults benefit from game-based interventions for self-management, motivation and cognition.
Use the hobby club as a way to integrate self-monitoring: after each game session, participants could mark one personal health goal (e.g., “walk 10 minutes tomorrow”) and report next week.
Games give the context for peer reinforcement rather than lecture.
Board games for cognitive benefit in seniors are well-documented: they support problem-solving, memory, strategy and social interaction.
With diabetes, the social component is key: isolation undermines self-care, but a game circle offers both fun and peer accountability.
By integrating a structured game club into diabetes management you’re not just playing for leisure — you’re playing for health, connection and habit change.
Ask us about how we can build a social circle in a lifelong hobby for you or the person in your care regardless of age or ability. If we can’t personally deliver a program for you, we will refer you to someone who can regardless of location in Australia. Email us: gametherapynetwork@gmail.com