4 Types of Computer and Video Games for Seniors' Cognitive Health
Computer and video games are not only fun, but they can also provide a wealth of benefits for multiple generations. While it can vary between game types, some benefits for older adults include a positive effect on cognitive health, an improvement in emotional health, and an improvement in balance while also providing a social atmosphere.
Video and computer games can improve short-term memory and mental capacity while boosting the ability to multitask and preventing some signs of aging.
Considerations in Choosing Which Video Games to Play
There are unlimited computer and video games available today. There are many free computer games, with others available for purchase for a few dollars and up in price.
Considerations when deciding what games to choose should include:
Platform Type
Some games are available as mobile phone apps or tablets. Some may require a laptop or desk computer, while others are designed for gaming consoles that can be hooked up to television sets.
Individual Interests
Care should be given to consideration of the individual's personal interests. Someone who has never played golf, for example, likely will not have much interest in a computer or video game involving the sport.
Social or Solitary Play
Will the individual be likely to play alone, with others physically present, or online with friends they may have or may meet in the future?
Ease of Use
The game choice will also require the ability of the individual to access the game and play with ease. A game that is too complicated will be frustrating and likely rejected after one attempt or two. Choosing a game that is easy to play makes for a much better experience and continued use.
Where to Find the Right Games
Weeding through the vast number of games available while avoiding games without any cognitive benefit can sometimes be difficult. Searching for games beneficial for older adults online can produce positive results, especially when games are recommended from reliable sources such as AARP or trustworthy news organization websites.
A couple of immensely popular games recommended by numerous sources are:
Candy Crush Saga
This game came out in April 2012 and quickly rose to be one of the most popular games available, remaining so today. Loved by young and older adults alike, Candy Crush Saga is a solitary game with the goal of matching three or more matching pieces in a row.
The game flexes mental muscles and gets trickier with each level providing more challenges for the brain while moving up.
Super Mario Bros and Super Mario 3D World
The first Mario Bros came to life in 1983. Upgrades have continually been made, providing higher quality viewing and new adventures. Games can be played on the computer or as video games, socially with others, or alone.
Playing 3D World stimulates the hippocampus and improves critical thinking skills.
Gaming and Cognitive Health
The number of adults 50 and older playing computer and video games rose from 40.2 million to 50.6 million in three years ending in 2019, according to AARP. That number could easily rise another 10 million by the end of 2022.
From Saint Paul to Burnsville, Hastings to Cottage Grove, older adults are picking up their phones or logging into their computers to play video and computer games for a few minutes or a few hours many times per week, and they are improving their cognitive health while doing so.
Senior Helpers Burnsville can help the older adult in your life find a great computer or video games to play, as well as provide companionship and personal care. Contact us, Senior Helpers Burnsville, to learn more.