Game of gifts purchase: Computer-based training of executive functions for the elderly

This paper presents a game that is integrated into a computer-based training program for several cognitive tasks in the elderly. People with Age-Associated Cognitive Decline (AACD) and people with Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) are its target population. The game, which is specially intended to improve or maintain executive functioning, requests users to buy some gifts to some imaginary close relatives, taking into account a budget that should not be exceeded and some specified criteria about their preferences. The aim is the training of users´ planning ability, as well as the needed organization to achieve the planned goals. In addition to give details of the design and implementation of this game, the paper presents its validation, using standardized neuropsychological measures. To do that, an experimental pilot study has been carried out with 20 people over 60 years. Once the game has been validated, more people are using it.