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Game On! How Gaming Boosts Health and Happiness for Older Adults

Older adult gamers report the joy of gaming, mental stimulation, and stress relief as the top reasons they game. Some older adults say that gaming helps them connect to other players, including younger family members and online friends. In addition to providing fun and stress relief, video games have been proven to boost cognitive function and physical health and well-being for gamers of all walks of life.

Gaming can level-up cognitive function

Video games and virtual reality can be a fun way to keep aging brains sharp. Puzzle games, like Tetris, require players to solve problems quickly, before time runs out. Action games like Angry Birds require quick decisions and on-your-feet thinking. Even relaxing games have some kind of constraints or decision making to get players thinking strategically. Some games are tailored to seniors working to improve cognitive function.

Studies show that over time, players have been able to increase other cognitive abilities like:

• Recognizing  patterns
• Processing sounds
• Focusing attention
• Multitasking
• Remembering information
• Strategic thinking
• Short-term memory

Video games have also been linked to a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s. In a study on the effects of the game Super Mario 64 on the brain, more grey matter was found in key areas of the brain in gamers than their non-gaming counterparts. Grey matter contains most of the brain’s neurons, which are responsible for brain functionality. More grey matter typically means better brain function and a lower risk of developing Alzheimer’s, which is characterized by a significant loss of grey matter in the brain.

Gaming can unlock new levels of physical health and wellness

Gaming can be a great way to improve cardiovascular health, dexterity, balance, and overall wellness for players. Exercise games like Wii Sports, Dance Dance Revolution, and Kinect Adventures are made to get players up and moving, dancing, and playing their favorite sports indoors. Traditional video gaming on a console can increase dexterity, motor skills, and coordination, which could help older adults better navigate everyday life and stay independent longer.

For seniors recovering from injuries or surgery, gaming can even play a role in rehabilitation. Interactive games used in physical therapy can help rebuild strength, improve range of motion, and motivate participants to stay consistent with their recovery plan.

Gaming can power-up mental health and well-being

Doing things that you love is proven to boost mental health and reduce the risk of depression. For players, gaming can reduce stress and anxiety, help them relax, and give them an escape from everyday life. For someone who’s house bound, games can allow them to visit far-out places in the world and beyond, which could help with feelings of discontentedness. Games often have a system of achievement and rewards, which can foster a sense of accomplishment and self-esteem.

Gaming can also offer plenty opportunities to socialize, either in-person with friends or through online connections in co-op games. Even some board games offer apps, making it easy to connect with loved ones through multiplayer games right on their phones. Socialization can help reduce the risk of loneliness and isolation, which are leading causes of depression. Through gaming, seniors can grow their community and connect to their friends and loved ones.

As gaming continues to grow in popularity among older adults, it’s clear that it offers much more than just entertainment. With the potential to improve cognitive function, physical health, and mental well-being, video games can serve as a valuable tool for enhancing the quality of life. Whether through keeping the brain sharp or encouraging movement, gaming is proving to be a fun and effective way for older adults to stay engaged and active, promoting healthier, more fulfilling lives. Game on!