Gaming is not just for the younger set

Written by PAULETTE LEE

ven without a pandemic, winter weather can keep us indoors looking to stay engaged, and it appears that we seniors are game for gaming. Now, I don’t consider myself a “gamer” -- until I remind myself how addicted I am to playing Spider Solitaire on my phone or tablet, and then there’s my electronic and online chess games… and of course Wordle… and…

In fact, according to a recent survey from AARP, video games are booming among people age 50 and older, with more than 50 million older Americans playing video games – defined as “any interactive digital entertainment played via a computer, a game console, a phone or a tablet.” The online (of course) survey of more than 3500 people also found that video games are more popular among older women than older men. (I don’t want to seem sexist by postulating it’s because our brains are more active, but…!)

The AARP report concludes: “Video games have gone mainstream as [older] gamers find pleasure and functional utility in gaming. Over one-third constantly try new games. With increased access and use, older adults are using gaming to connect socially, stay mentally sharp, reduce stress and just to have fun.” Some seniors have even organized their own video game tournaments in order to connect with others in the community.

Of course, as with any trend, there are positives and negatives. Research out of the University of Montreal found that people who regularly engaged in playing video games had decreased cognitive impairment, and that gaming might even help to prevent the development of Alzheimer’s, as the gray matter in the brain’s hippocampus increases. That gray matter is often used as a marker for neurological disorders that can occur over time. One of the key findings of that study is that the most benefits are reaped when players try new games, instead of staying with the same old, same old.

Other game-playing benefits for seniors include maintaining such skills as decision-making and hand-eye coordination, and even sometimes hearing is improved. Additionally, video games are good for seniors because they can be selected or even customized for people with physical impairments, though some claim they can be harmful to eyesight. However, a research paper from McMaster University – another Canadian institution – found that seniors who had eye damage and played first-person shooter games could still make out small print and recognize faces with ease, and because players need to move their eyes quickly, some eyesight functions actually improved.

Video game addiction, though, can be a very real problem for some, especially if the condition produces aggression, anxiety, or inhibits real-life socializing or going outdoors.

As we get along in years, we need to exercise our brain just as much as our body. There are thousands of brain-boosting video games available, so if a cold winter day is keeping you indoors, get your game on!

Paulette Lee is a former award-winning broadcast journalist and retired nonprofit and international development communications consultant. She lives in Hagerstown, MD and hosts the audio podcast, “WomanWorthy: Real Talk About Real Issues for Women Over 60” online at womanworthy.podbean.com, or on most podcast apps.

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