I-SING 2025 International Singapore Intergenerational Games

I-SING is a programme aimed at promoting intergenerational bonding and a healthy lifestyle for older adults through exergaming. Exergaming, or interactive fitness games, is a form of physical activity that combines exercise and video games with several benefits for older adults, including improving physical and cognitive functions.

First launched in 2016 as part of a research programme funded by A*STAR in 2010, I-SING utilizes digital exercise games to encourage older adults to adopt exergames for exercise, thereby enhancing their health and well-being, and increasing their familiarity with technology in line with the active ageing framework. The NTU research team partnered with Active Ageing Centres (AACs) across Singapore to host the inaugural national exergames competition in 2016, followed by a series of successive game competitions in 2017 and 2018. In 2018, I-SING went global, which featured a live simulcast of the final round of the competition with 10 finalists from five countries (Singapore, Japan, Taiwan, Finland, and France).

Over the years, I-SING has evolved to facilitate the greater adoption of digital and smart technologies, enabling older adults to exercise in a fun, social, and interactive manner with younger generations. Our research findings show that exergames have a positive impact on the mental, psychological, and social well-being of older adults. The I-SING programme has been shown to reduce social anxiety and loneliness among older adults while enhancing sociability and confidence in using technology. Experiential learning through exergaming encourages older adults to stay active, boost their health, and prepare for a digital lifestyle, supporting Singapore's Smart Nation and Healthier SG initiatives.

In 2024, the I-SING programme has been whitelisted as one of the evidence-based programmes recognized and supported by the Agency for Integrated Care (AIC), Ministry of Health. I-SING2024 saw participation from 309 older adults across 13 AACs, supported by 80 staff and student volunteers. In I-SING2025, we are anticipating participation from approximately 500 older adults across 20 AACs.

It is our hope that through the I-SING programme, there will be a greater adoption of exergames to promote active and healthy ageing as a lifestyle among Singapore’s older adults, in support of the Healthier SG initiatives.