Power up! Gaming over age 50 can improve quality of life
Playing video games, especially over the age of 50, can have a variety of benefits on one’s life. In fact, the community of adult gamers over 50 years old has increased in the last few years.
Some of the ways gaming can benefit older adults are improved emotional well-being, improved balance, enhanced cognitive ability and a reduced risk of Alzheimer’s. Not to mention they’re a fun way to pass the time and possibly make new friends!
A study done by researchers at the Department of Psychology at North Carolina State University and the Interactive Media and Technology Center at Georgia Institute of Technology seems to corroborate claims of increased emotional well-being.
The study included 140 seniors over 63 years of age, and it concluded that both regular and occasional video gamers reported greater well-being, social functioning and health than non-gamers.
They also reported lower rates of depression among those who play video games and those who do not.
Movement and balance
Balance is an important aspect of physical health as people age, and fortunately video games can help improve balance.
Certain games that require physical interaction, such as Nintendo Wii and Switch games, and virtual reality (VR) games can immerse the player in the game and make them use their whole body to play and interact with the platform.
Though it was released in 2006, the Nintendo Wii console has a variety of games that can help improve balance.
Some Wii games that require movement are Wii Sports (which includes sports such as tennis, baseball, bowling and boxing), Zumba Fitness, a variety of Just Dance games, Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games, and Wii Fit.
Amber Hilton of Westview Retirement Community in Grant said they used to have a Wii at the building, and she has been considering getting another system.
“I know the residents would play bowling and they loved it,” Hilton said. “I can definitely see that it helps with hand-eye coordination, which is a skill that does deteriorate with age.”
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