4 Ways Video Gaming Benefits Seniors

Researchers have discovered that in addition to providing adventure, playing video games has a number of positive effects on players' mental and physical health, including the development of social skills, an increase in happiness, and the formation of new relationships. Encourage your elderly loved one to play video games, whether they are new to the hobby or seasoned veterans. Playing video games has been shown to improve lifestyle.

Experts at Home Care Orlando share some emotional, mental, and physical health benefits video gaming brings to seniors.

1. Happier Lives

A recent study conducted by researchers at the University of Rochester revealed that seniors who engage in video gaming report higher levels of emotional well-being than those who do not participate in gaming activities. The study compared the psychological functions of seniors who did and did not play video games, and the results showed that gamers were more social, happier, and experienced improved moods. This finding is significant, as it suggests that incorporating video gaming into senior’s daily lives can help improve their overall emotional well-being, making them happier and more content. The study further highlights the potential benefits of gaming for seniors, and encourages further research into this area.

2. Better Balance and Physical Activity

A study conducted by researchers in Spain found that seniors who played video games for an hour three times a week improved their balance and physical performance. The games chosen for the study required quick decision-making and visual attention and were proven to have a positive effect on senior’s physical health. After playing the games for the specified time period, seniors saw noticeable improvements in their balance, agility, and overall physical performance. The results of the study suggest that seniors can benefit significantly from playing video games, and that this activity may be an effective way to maintain physical health and improve quality of life.

3. Enhanced Intellectual Abilities

Playing video games can also help seniors with cognitive decline or poor spatial abilities improve these essential skills, which can be a significant benefit. According to one piece of research, senior citizens between the ages of 60 and 77 who played challenging strategy video games for two hours every day greatly improved their cognitive processes and spatial ability.

4. Reversed Brain Aging

Playing video games has been shown to counteract the degenerative effects of ageing on the neural network of the brain. According to the findings of another study, senior citizens between the ages of 60 and 85 who played 3D multitasking games for 12 hours each month considerably improved their performance. They played almost twenty per cent better than they did at the beginning of the match. Those elders also saw improvements in their memory functions and ability to focus.

Disney Fantasia: Music Evolved, Tetris, World of Warcraft (WoW), Brain Age, and Lumosity are some games seniors can play to experience better mental, emotional, and physical abilities.

Conclusion

Technology for seniors is growing as a major sector in the gaming industry. Some medical professionals have concluded that rather than prescribing harsh psychotropic medications, patients with mental illnesses may benefit more from playing video games. Encouragement and minimal assistance are typically needed to get seniors involved in a new activity. You can help someone you care about by playing video games with them or getting them involved in physically and mentally stimulating activities. Having reliable Respite Care in Orlando, which families can rely on, is one way to help your elderly loved ones find fulfilment and company. At the same time, they continue to age in place with more excellent health and happiness if you cannot urge them to participate in such activities independently.