RetroGem’s design is supported by research on children’s development across various learning domains.
An innovative board game bringing preschoolers and seniors together through nostalgic fun, meaningful learning, and shared laughter.
RetroGems
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A Simple Game Idea with a Big Purpose
RetroGems is Singapore’s first-of-its-kind intergenerational board game, developed by Care Community Services Society. It encourages learning and bonding through play, helping children and seniors build meaningful connections while having fun together. The board game is purposefully designed to promote critical thinking and social interaction, with gameplay that is engaging, enjoyable, and appropriately challenging for both age groups.
Evidence-Based
Bridges Generational Gaps
Children and seniors take part in regular gameplay sessions, with RetroGems thoughtfully designed to encourage natural and meaningful interactions between them.
Combats Senior Isolation
RetroGems helps reduce senior isolation as children take on the role of befrienders and bring joy to the seniors.
Enhances Children's Learning
The design of RetroGems is age-appropriate and incorporates various learning domains to support children’s learning and development.
Meaningful Impact Across Generations
Creating shared value for both the young and the young at heart
For Seniors
- Stimulates brain function through strategic thinking and adaptability
- Keeps minds sharp, engaged, and active
- Combats isolation by forging social connections with younger generations
- Fosters a renewed sense of purpose through meaningful interaction
- Creates space for shared experiences, storytelling, and laughter
For Children
- Develops Early Numeracy skills such as subitising skills and number conservation
- Promotes Language and literacy skills through conversations and recognising appropriate writing conventions
- Encourages social interactions through teamwork and communications
- Provides physical in-person interactions away from devices
- Builds confidence in leading and teaching others, as well as decision-making
“Seniors shared that they enjoyed interacting with the children… Seniors had the opportunity to learn and experience a new activity together with the children.”
– Staff at NTUC Health Senior Day Care
“The RetroGems programme has helped children develop social and communication skills… It also encourages empathy and respect when interacting with seniors.”
– Educator at Little Footprint Preschool @ Serangoon Central
From Vision to Impact
Our journey of bringing generations together
Early Development
RetroGems was developed with the vision of encouraging intergenerational engagement using evidence-based methods.
To support this vision, RetroGems enhances children’s learning, improves seniors’ cognitive abilities, and eases the workload of preschool educators.
The project also partnered with students from the National Institute of Education (NIE) to further refine the board game using evidence-based methods.
Pilot and Testing
A pilot was conducted with children from PCF Sparkletots @ 31 Balam Road and seniors from CareElderly@Circuit.
During the pilot, observations showed improvements in children’s subitising abilities, and teachers noted increased empathy among the children.
Seniors shared that they looked forward to the sessions, and two case studies further suggested improvements in cognitive task performance after participation.
Refinement and Prototype Testing
The game was further refined and tested at various preschools. 50 refined sets were then produced.
We partnered with students studying Early Childhood Development from NIEC at Ngee Ann Poly to further refine the game mechanics and materials.
Prototypes were subsequently tested at Little Footprints Preschool @ Serangoon and My First Skool @ Braddell Heights and 50 refined sets were then produced.
Empowering Preschool Educators
A train-the-trainer model equips preschool educators in ensuring meaningful gameplay during the actual implementation.
Under this model, educators are able to facilitate both classroom-based sessions and intergenerational gameplay with seniors. For preschools facing manpower constraints, volunteers support them by facilitating gameplay sessions with the children. This ensures that children are familiar with the board game prior to intergenerational sessions, while reducing workload on educators.
“The smiles and laughter shared during ‘RetroGems’ tell the story… It’s a heart-warming exchange built on empathy and understanding, reminding us that age is just a number, and more so, connection blossoms through shared experiences.”
Dewin Lee
Execuitve Director, CCSS
Designed for Joyful Learning
Every detail crafted for connection and fun
Language and Literacy
All elements of board game display proper writing conventions to ensure children’s learning aligns with the school.
Numeracy
Game cards feature various quantity arrangements without numerals to promote subitising. Regular gameplay provides repeated exposure, helping children strengthen these skills.
Socio-emotional Learning
Beyond interactions with seniors and other players, opportunities for decision-making, problem-solving and conflict resolution enhances children’s self-regulation and autonomy.
Discovering the World
Nostalgic items such as paper balls, gem biscuits, and potong ice cream, facilitates conversations about the seniors’ childhood experiences or life in eldercare centres. This exposure allows children to explore and learn about the world from a different perspective
Partner with Us
Bring RetroGems to your community. Whether you’re a Social Service Agency, Preschool, or Active Ageing Centre, we’d love to collaborate.
- Enhance intergenerational programmes
- Integrate meaningful learning experiences
- Provide cognitive stimulation for seniors
Drop us an email at ccss_sg_cares_vc@ccsscares.sg!
Bring RetroGems Home
Create intergenerational fun with children, parents, and grandparents! Perfect for family game nights that bring everyone together.
Special Introductory Rate
Be among our first 500 supporters to secure your game set.
+65 6950 7500
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