COPD & Leisure Gaming for Breath-Friendly Social Time
As diversional therapists we recommend leisure that is seated, social, paced and mentally stimulating — and tabletop/online gaming fits the brief.
Select games that allow flexible pacing: cooperative board games like Pandemic (turn-based strategic), role-playing sessions where turns are slower, card games (e.g., Dominion) or online gaming via BoardGameArena so the participant can play from home when fatigued.
The value of online is huge: no transport required, adjustable session length, and ability to join when energy allows.
Research on older-adult gaming shows benefits for cognitive, emotional and social domains.
Design the session: 10 minutes check-in (how’s the breathing today?), 30 minutes game play (with set breaks), 15 minutes social chat or wrap-up. Encourage the player to reflect: “Today I took a turn without pause”, or “I made a joke with someone I hadn’t spoken to before.”
Over time that builds social momentum.
Diversional therapy emphasises meaningful leisure, and this is exactly that.
Look for studies to back up program plans – many say board games implemented in community-dwelling older adults improved dual-task cognition, balance and social engagement.
While COPD is a physical health issue, the social/leisure dimension is often undervalued — gaming helps fill that gap.
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