Are you a mahjong maven? A Wordle wizard? Whether you enjoy games alone, with friends, or streaming with people around the world, games do far more than entertain us. They help keep us sharp and healthy at any age. Read on to learn some of the surprising health benefits of playing games.
Stay in the Game! 10 Surprising Benefits of Playing Games
1. Improved cognition
Online brain training games, such as those created by Lumosity and BrainHQ, help improve core cognitive skills such as attention, learning, and processing speed.
2. Delay memory loss
A crossword a day keeps memory loss at bay. For people 50 and older, doing crossword puzzles can delay the onset of memory loss by 2.5 years! And the more often you do them, whether on paper or on the computer, the greater the impact.
3. Fewer car accidents
In addition to functional improvements, studies also found that older adults who played computerized games targeting processing speed were safer drivers and had fewer at-fault car crashes.
4. Reduce stress
Get in the flow with a video game. Researchers at the University of California say video games help us experience flow states—when we are so engaged in an activity that we lose track of time—leaving us energized, relaxed, and refreshed.
5. Help with trauma
There is a growing body of research and first-person accounts that games can be used as therapy to help veterans and survivors of trauma cope with symptoms by preventing or distracting the player from intrusive memories, substance use, and thoughts of self-harm.
6. Making social connections
Spending time with others engaged in board games such as checkers, Backgammon, or Sorry! leads to rapid and significant improvements in interpersonal communication, belief or confidence in oneself, and in perceived loneliness.
7. Overall well-being
Playtime isn’t just for kids. The range of skills we learn through games at an early age, including creative problem-solving, handling our emotions (such as being a good winner and loser), staying sharp verbally and mentally, and many more, are benefits that can be enjoyed at any age.
8. Physical conditioning and coordination
Exergames are immersive video games designed to challenge, test, and train players in certain movements such as dance, yoga, or cycling. They’re a fun, safe way for older adults to get active and stay motivated to continue playing.
9. Pain relief
Virtual reality programs that create three-dimensional environments players can interact with are being used in hospitals, clinics, and at home to help combat acute and chronic pain by diverting attention and changing how we experience and perceive pain.
10. Healthy brain changes
While playing games can’t turn back the hands of time, it can help slow aging. Computer games help increase brain activation and lead to stronger connections between brain regions. Images taken of players’ brains also show less atrophy in several areas of the brain known to diminish with normal aging.
Play the long game. To maximize benefits, engage in a variety of games along with staying active, eating a healthy diet, and getting a good night’s sleep to keep your mind and body sharp over time.
Ready to take your game to a new level? Read our blog Fun Games to Stay Sharp at Any Age
