Seniors who are looking for fun activities that are also social don’t even need to leave the house. Seniors over the age of 65 are embracing video games as a way to spend their time. And according to experts that’s not a bad thing. Playing video games has very real mental and physical health benefits for seniors.
One of the reasons why video games are so popular with seniors is that there is a video game for almost any interest. Seniors can choose video games that are:
- Fantasy themed
- Art themed
- Mystery themed
- Romance themed
- Science fiction themed
- Trivia themed
And now that many games are available on smart phones or tablets as well as on consoles and PCs seniors have a lot of options to choose how they play games. Many seniors have in-home care that can take care of the chores and errands so that they can focus on socializing and learning new games. In-home care also can help seniors learn new games and new technology to play games on. Some of the benefits of video games for seniors are:
Better Mental Health
Seniors that game are happy. One study that was done found that seniors who played video games for at least an hour a day were generally happier than seniors that didn’t. Excessive gaming can cause irritability and other issues, but moderate gameplay is good for seniors. Seniors have a lower risk of developing depression and anxiety when they play games regularly. Playing games, solving puzzles, and accomplishing tasks in the game give seniors a sense of purpose and structure.
Socialization
Video games can provide essential socialization for seniors. Gaming is especially helpful for seniors that have mobility challenges, lack transportation, or have anxiety that makes it difficult for them to go out. When seniors play games they can connect in real time with other players around the world. Talking to and playing the game with other players makes video games a great social connection for seniors.
Less Cognitive Decline
Studies show that seniors who play video game are able to hang onto their cognitive skills longer than seniors that don’t play. Reasoning, putting things in order, setting goals, and accomplishing tasks are all functions of the brain that seniors need to practice regularly. They can get substantial cognitive benefits from solving puzzles and engaging in quests in video games.
Better Balance And Coordination
Seniors that play video games have better balance and coordination. That can help seniors prevent falls and stay independent. Some console games also encourage movement through the use of virtual reality. Seniors can virtually golf, walk, run, and do other activities through a video game. Video games that make exercise fun and allow seniors to compete against other players can keep seniors motivated to stay active. And with new virtual reality technology coming out regularly it’s never been easier for seniors to practice their balance and coordination using technology.
Sources:
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4130645/
https://www.aarp.org/home-family/personal-technology/info-2019/report-video-games.html
https://blog.thegoodmangroup.com/best-video-games-for-seniors
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