Can Video Games Be Good for Seniors?

It’s common to see kids and teenagers completely engrossed in a video game, but game consoles have yet to make much of an impact on the older crowd. This might soon change, though, as more evidence emerges that video games might be beneficial for seniors. New studies suggest that playing video games on a regular basis can help promote healthier aging, leading to better mood levels and an increased ability to multi-task.

How Can Seniors Benefit From Video Games?

A study conducted by researchers at UC San Francisco found evidence that video games can impact the brain’s plasticity (its ability to functionally change over time). Researchers reached this conclusion by testing a group of people who ranged in age from their 20s to their 70s on their ability to play a 3D racing game. During baseline testing, it was clear that the ability to multi-task decreased dramatically with age. However, after 12 hours of play spread out over a one month period, adults between the ages of 60 and 85 showed significant improvement and were even able to reach higher scores than untrained 20 year olds. The skills remained when the subjects were retested after six months of not playing the game. This same group of seniors also earned higher scores on memory and attention tests, suggesting that regular video game practice can improve brain function in other areas.

Another study performed by the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine focused on the impact of video games on players’ mood. Seniors were asked to play an exercise game on the Wii and report on their sense of well-being. One third of the seniors found that regular play reduced their depressive symptoms by fifty percent. Another study concluded that seniors who played Wii games for an hour a week reported fewer feelings of loneliness and a more positive mood. With its variety of games that focus on a range of skills, the Wii console is particularly useful for seniors. Sport and exercise games such as Wii Sports and Wii Fit can help seniors hone their spatial skills and improve their physical ability, as well as spend time interacting with family and friends.

Finding the Right Balance

While there is strong evidence that video games can help seniors in a number of ways, researchers are quick to point out that they can’t reverse all age-related woes. A healthy diet, regular physical activity, brain training exercises, and regular social interaction are all necessary parts of healthy aging. Video games are an effective supplement, but can’t replace these fundamentals.

Finding the right balance of activities to assist in healthy aging can be made easier with the help of a chiropractor. Seniors who receive chiropractic care are more likely to maintain their musculoskeletal health—especially their mobility. The benefits can include not only reduced back, neck and joint pain, but also improved strength, stamina, flexibility, balance and coordination.  In addition, your chiropractor can provide advice on improving other areas of your health and well-being so that you can find your own formula for healthy aging. And who knows? Maybe your formula will include a little quality time playing a favorite video game!