Video Games for Seniors: Here's What You Should Know

While younger people are often considered the generation that loves video games, video games are becoming more popular among senior citizens for good reasons. There are many benefits to playing video games. In fact, it improves memory, problem-solving skills, hand-eye coordination, and more. So, you might want to introduce your elderly loved one to video games. The benefits outweigh the cons!

Since playing video games has social, emotional, and cognitive benefits, senior citizens can improve their quality of life and their skills with the help of video games. Whether you introduce your loved ones to classic games like Pacman and Tetris or you introduce newer games like Minecraft, it's a good idea to get your loved one gaming.

Cognitive Benefits

Video games can improve the cognitive functioning of your loved one. That is, because video games often require the player to solve problems, playing video games improves elderly people's problem-solving skills. Whereas other electronics like television are more passive, video games are active, which improves cognitive functioning.

Things like memory and attention improve when you have to devote time to beating a level in a game or building something in a more open-ended game like Minecraft. When a loved one is watching television, they can doze off or have their mind wander away from the program on the television. However, when they're playing a video game, they have to sustain their focus for a while, or else they won't succeed at the video game.

Video games are great because they improve a senior's reflexes and motor skills. To move the joystick or remote, the senior will have to utilize fine motor skills they might not use daily. This helps them stay agile and complete tasks requiring fine motor skills, like buttoning their shirts, brushing their hair and teeth, and cooking.

Emotional Benefits

Gaming decreases the amount of stress that anyone feels, so for seniors, this benefit applies, too. Playing video games is a great way for people to release stress since games lead to increased happiness. When you succeed at a video game, your mood increases as you progress through the game. But even if your senior isn't the best at video games (and keeps losing), the fun of playing them can still better their disposition.

Social Benefits

Despite their reputation for being insular, video games for seniors can help them get more social interaction. For example, many video games have two-player or multiplayer options. So, a senior could play a game with their grandchildren, friends, or caretaker. This is a great way for seniors to bond with other people.

Things to Consider When You Purchase Video Games for Seniors

It's true that all things work in moderation. When you introduce your senior to video games, ensure that the video games don't overtake their schedule. Be sure to limit the amount of time that they use the game because it could become an issue if they play too often. Also, make sure that the console and games are accessible to them. Whether you have to adjust the size of the text on the screen, the volume, or the kind of remote that they use, be sure they have easy access while playing.

Time to Get Your Senior Family Gaming

It's a good idea to purchase some video games for senior members of your family. The benefits of video games are endless and they allow everyone to have fun. To figure out which games are right for your senior, discuss their interests with your loved one. Remember, they might be surprised by what they like to play. Purchase an array of games and see what works. For more information about caring for the seniors in your life, contact us.