Video Games Emerge as Latest Senior Living Trend

Posted by Donna Mae Scheib on December 04, 2017

Video Games Emerge as Latest Senior Living Trend

While most of us think of teenagers, mind-numbing entertainment and even violence when we think of video games, growing evidence shows senior citizens could actually benefit from playing video games. Some types of video games can not only improve the reaction times of senior citizens, but memory and the ability to multitask as well. Since video games are often considered the hobby of the lazy, this information may come as a surprise.

Senior Studies Show Video Games Help

One 2013 study detailed in the journal Nature, found that seniors aged 60-85, who played the video game Neuroracer for one hour a day, three times a week for a month (12 hours total), were better able to recall information. Even more surprisingly, the effects of that 12 hours of video gaming for these seniors lasted for six months after the study concluded. 

Another study had seniors between the ages of 60 and 77 play World of Warcraft. Prior to beginning the study, the participant’s motor skills, reaction times and overall cognitive abilities were tested. The seniors then played the game for two hours a night for a total of two weeks. At the end of that two weeks, the same tests were administered again, with those who initially scored low, making the most remarkable improvements in their cognitive focus and spatial ability scores. The seniors who scored fairly well on the first test also showed improvements, but not to the same extent, leading researchers to conclude that playing video games could significantly improve cognitive skills, motor skills and reaction times among senior citizens.

Computers in Human Behavior published a study in which the average age of the recruits was 77. The participants were first asked to rank their usage of digital games. A third of the seniors played a video game at least once per week, including such games as Sudoku, puzzle games, solitaire and free cell. Like the other studies, the seniors underwent affective, cognitive and perceptual tests. The researchers found that the seniors who regularly or even occasionally played computer games showed higher levels of everyday functioning than the seniors who never played games.

Benefits of Video Games for Seniors

The fact is that video games have been found to offer a number of wellness and health benefits to seniors. Those benefits include improved cognitive capabilities, better relationship—building skills, and even a higher level of reported happiness among video gamers. Consider the following facts regarding senior citizens and video games:

• Seniors over the age of 63 who routinely played video games reported higher levels of emotional well-being, while those who never played video games reported much higher levels of negative emotions and depression.
• Seniors who regularly played such games as Tetris, found their walking speeds and balance improved. Tetris, and similar games require quick decision-making skills, which in turn appears to help seniors have lower incidences of falls while walking.
• Seniors who regularly played video games were found to have significantly increased cognitive functions which helped them during their day-to-day activities.
• The normal signs of aging were even found to be reversed in those seniors who played video games—researchers found the brain’s neural networks were altered among those who played a 3D multitasking game for 12 hours per month. These senior participants also enjoyed improved memory and attention spans.

Aside from the “fun” video games that have been found to be beneficial for seniors (War of Thunder, World of Warcraft and NeuroRacer are the top three), seniors might want to consider Brain Age or Lumosity as well. Whatever the specific game, video gaming is not just for teens anymore. Those who want to keep their brain young and active should definitely consider video gaming.

Find a Senior Living Community Near You

If you are unsure how to choose the right senior care facility for your loved one, we can help. You can find the perfect senior living community near you on Senior Living Link. Our online assisted living community directory features facilities nationwide that offer an array of services, including health care programs, housekeeping, meals, medication administration, and more. Start your search today and contact Senior Living Link to learn more!