Video games are one of the most popular means of entertainment right now for people of all ages, all over the world. There are thousands of video game choices and themes; from adventure games, to sport and alternate reality games, and even digital versions of classic games like Monopoly and Scrabble. Video games are guaranteed to keep a person occupied for hours.
In addition to providing hours of entertainment, video games also have some outstanding benefits; especially for the older generation that is playing video games. Seniors may benefit greatly from playing video games for an hour or two a day. In fact, many seniors should consider playing games that will benefit them in one way or another, rather than other pastimes such as watching TV for hours on end. This post will detail some of the major benefits that video games will have on seniors.
How Seniors Can Benefit from Playing Video Games
With the thousands of choices available when it comes to video games, seniors are sure to find one that they like and one that will benefit them in some way. In order to get the benefits of video games, seniors should do some research online to find games that will improve aspects of their life. Below are some of the major ways that video games can benefit a senior and the benefits that seniors should look for as they choose their games.
Improved Hand-Eye Coordination
This is one of the major benefits that video games have to offer. People of all ages will improve their hand-eye coordination skills with video games. Video games require a player to watch what is happening on the screen and react in the game using the controller that he or she is holding. Video games improve the way a person processes things.
Hand-eye coordination is important for people of all ages to have good control of, however, it is particularly important that aging adults preserve and work towards improving their hand-eye coordination skills. Hand-eye coordination is especially improved when seniors play games that allow them to be in first person. First-person video games improve a senior’s spatial reasoning and focus while also forcing him or her to use quick-hand eye coordination skills to make decisions in the game.
Read also about the educational benefits of video games
Easy to Play in the Comfort of Your Own Home
Video games are an aspect of entertainment that can be done right in the comfort of one’s home, not forcing him or her to get up and move around much. Though staying active is crucial for people of all ages, especially seniors, some elderly people may not have the option to get up and move the way that they used to. If a senior has had a recent surgery, or suffers from bone, muscle, joint issues, or has an illness, it’s likely that he or she does not live an active lifestyle and the things that he or she can do for fun are limited.
An in-home senior care specialist pointed out that seniors that suffer from a debilitating issue should do their best to get up and get moving throughout the day, but after he or she has done the most physical activity that he or she can in a day, limiting mobility is best. With that being said, seniors may find themselves sitting around watching TV all day because their means of entertainment are so limited. Video-games are a way to combat this issue.
Video games allow a senior to be entertained while limiting his or her mobility. Video games will keep seniors engaged in what they are doing while allowing them to enjoy themselves and be somewhat productive given their situation. Depending on the video game, seniors can learn, preserve hand-eye coordination, sharpen their cognitive skills and abilities, or even improve their memory.
Ability to Interact with Other People
Unfortunately, it’s very common for seniors to isolate themselves or feel lonely. A lot of times, this isn’t the senior’s fault; he or she may have lost their significant other, moved away from family, or simply not possess the capability to go out and meet with other people. Video games can now change that heart-wrenching reality that seniors are often faced with.
Video games allow seniors to play online with people all around the world, some games even allow players to talk or write to each other. Similarly, a senior can request to play against friends or family that have the same game using network play options. Or, if a senior has friends or family over, video games are a great way to enjoy each other’s company by playing a multiplayer game. Video games can keep seniors connected to other people in a fun and exciting way.
Digital Entertainment for the Elderly
Seniors should do research online to find games that they will enjoy. There are thousands of options, so finding a game that peaks one’s interest shouldn’t be hard. If you are a senior yourself, or you have a senior in your life, it’s important to choose a video game that will promote the benefits above; video games can be more than just a way to pass time.
