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Can Games Have a Positive Impact on Seniors?
Posted by Scott Cantin in Cognitive Aging, Fun activities for seniors, mental health, Senior Health | 0 comments

Games are a great way to pass the time. Games are often thought of as something kids and young adults do, but they are also important to seniors. In fact, playing different types of games can have a hugely positive effect on the well-being of seniors as a whole. This includes cognitive health, socialization, physical health, emotional well-being, and the improvement of mental flexibility. Here, we will talk about these benefits and the different kinds of games that can have a positive impact on seniors.
Cognitive Health
Playing games helps seniors keep their minds sharp. Board games like chess and Scrabble, card games like bridge, and brain-training games like Sudoku all improve your memory, ability to solve problems, and ability to think strategically. Memory, especially short-term memory, gets worked out when someone plays video games. One study showed chess could be considered a protective factor against dementia and cognitive decline in older people, particularly due to the enhancement of cognitive reserve.
Seniors can remember things like names, addresses, phone numbers, dates, and times better when they play video games, even if they only play once in a while. Additionally, they also make players switch between tasks quickly, which can help seniors be more mentally flexible and able to do more than one thing at a time.
Socialization
Seniors are often at risk of being alone and lonely, which can lead to depression. Games are a great way to meet new people, whether you play them with family, friends, or in a group. Board games and card games, in particular, get people talking and laughing face-to-face, which builds a sense of belonging and friendship.
Physical Health
Video games can also be good for your body, especially for older people. Some games that require physical interaction, like the VR game Beat Saber, Wii Sports, and other similar games can help seniors improve their balance, coordination, and reflexes because they require them to act quickly and make decisions. Furthermore, seniors have reported that playing video games has made them walk faster.
Emotional Well-being
Anything you enjoy, like going for a walk, having lunch with friends, or going to a movie, is good for your emotional health. Therefore, it is no surprise that many seniors who like to play video games feel better after doing so.
A study of 140 seniors over the age of 63 found that both regular and occasional gamers reported better health, social functioning, and happiness than those who did not play video games. In addition, it also reports that people who play video games have much lower rates of depression than those who don’t.
Enhance Mental Flexibility
Games often require you to adapt to changing situations and make decisions quickly. This helps seniors become more flexible and adaptable in their minds. Trivia games, for example, test your memory and general knowledge, and video games can help you get better at hand-eye coordination and solving problems.
Types of Games
Below is a list of suggested games and how they can benefit seniors.
- Board Games: Classic choices like chess, checkers, and Scrabble are excellent for stimulating critical thinking and strategic planning.
- Card Games: Games like bridge, poker, and solitaire encourage social interaction and memory retention.
- Outdoor Games: Bocce ball, lawn bowling, and croquet provide a fun way to enjoy the outdoors while staying active.
- Brain Games: Sudoku, crossword puzzles, and brain-training apps offer mental challenges that can improve memory and cognitive skills.
- Trivia Games: Games like trivia quizzes and quiz shows are not only fun but also enhance general knowledge and memory recall.
- Video Games: While not traditionally associated with seniors, many video games offer cognitive benefits and can be adapted to various skill levels.
Games can benefit seniors in many ways. They promote cognitive health, combat social isolation, encourage physical activity, boost emotional well-being, and enhance mental flexibility. Seniors can explore various types of games to find those that resonate with their interests and abilities. Whether it’s a weekly card game with friends or a daily session of brain-training exercises, games can help improve the quality of life for seniors, ensuring they remain mentally and socially engaged well into their golden years.
Advancare can help your senior loved ones stay alert and healthy as they age. Contact us today to discover the many services we offer in Miami and the surrounding area!