Unlocking the Benefits of Video Games for Seniors

Recently, the number of seniors playing video games has grown significantly. With more than 10 million Americans aged 50 and older becoming active gamers. This has led to an increase in video games and video platforms designed specifically for seniors.

Besides providing entertainment, video games have proven to benefit seniors, including cognitive, social, emotional, and physical benefits.

In this blog post, we will explore and give some tips on how beginners can get started. Moreover, we'll discuss the benefits of video games for seniors and why you should try them.

Like with all other ages, playing video games has cognitive benefits for seniors. Playing video games has been liked to enhance memory and attention to detail. It helps with remembering names, physical addresses, dates, and phone numbers. They also force players to switch between tasks quickly, increasing mental flexibility and creativity.

Also, video games, including puzzle games and simulations, improve problem-solving skills, which are helpful in daily situations. 

Physical Benefits of Video Games for Seniors

Video games have several physical benefits, especially the ones that use consoles. Motion-controlled games like Mario Kart Tour, Rush Rally, and Nintendo promote physical activity and exercise. They encourage seniors to engage in movements that enhance motor skills, coordination, balance, and flexibility, contributing to overall physical health.

Some seniors have reported faster hand and eye coordination and walking speeds after playing video games. 

Social Benefits of Video Games for Seniors

Playing video games allows seniors to interact with more people of all ages worldwide. Multi-player games like Chess enable seniors to play individual games to feel more connected to the rest of the world, thus reducing feelings of loneliness and isolation.

Video games also enable seniors to build and maintain friendships through online gaming platforms and communities, or playing in-person games with friends and family. This contributes to better social functioning among seniors suffering from social anxiety and also contributes to their emotional well-being. 

Whether it's VCR games, puzzles, or simulations, video games help seniors improve their emotional health through many positive effects. They provide stress relief and relaxation by allowing seniors to escape from their daily life, even if only momentarily.

In addition, video games also lower the rate of depression, significantly boosting mood and emotional resilience since they provide a sense of accomplishment as seniors achieve goals and rise to the next level. Most active senior gamers look forward to the following day because it comes with a new challenge for them to accomplish, making their life less monotonous. 

Cognitive Training and Prevention of Age-Related Conditions

According to research conducted in 2017, video games help seniors with cognitive training and reduce the risk of developing Alzheimer's. Regular gaming sessions grow the brain, especially the hippocampus, associated with memory and Alzheimer's and dementia progression. Playing video games helps seniors exercise their brains in a way that learning piano and other physical games can't.

A recent study by the University of California San Francisco showed that seniors who played 3D games showed signs of reverse aging. Additionally, the mental stimulation that results when seniors play video games exercises various cognitive abilities and helps them function and improve over time. 

Tips For Starting Seniors On Video Games

Video games for seniors may seem intimidating to beginners who have never played them before. If you or a loved one is looking into exploring video games, here are a few tips to get you started:

• Pick simple and easy video games to ease you into the gaming experience. Challenging games with complex controls can discourage beginners even before they start.
• Use gaming platforms that are specially for seniors. They differ from the regular platforms because they offer accessibility features, including larger text, easier control, and adjustable audio.
• Pick a video game close to your interests, whether word games, simulations, racing, or puzzle games, for a more engaging experience. 
• Look into accessible gaming equipment to make their playing time easier.

Tackle cognitive training together

Video games have evolved from a teenage pastime to a more dynamic and inclusive form of entertainment with massive social, physical, emotional, and cognitive benefits for seniors.

To explore the gaming experience, start with simple games and reap the undeniable benefits. If you feel like your loved one's life would be enhanced by playing video games don't hesitate to explore the world of video games for seniors.

Visit Thoughtful Care's website to learn more about our services and discover how we help our senior clients with cognitive training.  Or, give us a call today!