Come! Let's Chat – An Intergenerational Reminiscence Game
In 2022, SUSS and the National Archives of Singapore (NAS) co-developed ‘Come! Let’s Chat’, an intergenerational reminiscence game inspired by the insights gained from the 2020 Reminiscence Project. This earlier initiative, which engaged persons living with dementia and their caregivers through adaptive oral history interviews, laid the groundwork for further exploration into the power of storytelling. Building on this foundation, ‘Come! Let’s Chat’ expands the conversation to include participants of all ages, creating a dynamic platform for intergenerational dialogue.
The game features a collection of visuals depicting Singapore’s past and present, grouped into themes such as People & Places, Kampong Days, and National Campaigns. These visuals serve as conversation starters, encouraging players to share personal experiences and stories related to the Singaporean way of life. The inclusion of a deck of activity cards adds a playful element to the sessions, making the interactions both enjoyable and educational. Additionally, the game was designed with universal accessibility in mind, ensuring it is highly visible, simple to use, and portable, incorporating geragogical considerations to make it suitable for most age groups.
As co-project manager and design lead, Kenneth was instrumental in developing ‘Come! Let’s Chat.’ The design process focused on creating a universally accessible game that encourages intergenerational bonding and stimulates cognitive engagement in older adults. Additionally, the game can also serve as a tool to combat social isolation. This thoughtful design ensures that the game is beneficial and enjoyable for participants of all ages, enhancing its role as a platform for social interaction and community building.
Find out more about Singapore University of Social Sciences' work in the area of intergenerational reminiscence HERE.