Think games are just for having fun? Beyond offering enjoyment, playing games has proven to have several health benefits from decreasing the risk of dementia to lowering stress. Changes in the brain naturally come with age, but playing games is an entertaining hobby you can try to slow down the process and keep your mind stimulated. Whether you’re arranging a puzzle alone or playing cards with friends and family, every game has value. Here are some examples of games you can play at any age to feel good in more ways than one.
Puzzles
Tetris, the Rubik’s cube, and jigsaw puzzles are all examples of popular puzzle games – and there are countless others! Puzzles require players to remember patterns, sequences, and layouts, which helps improve visual memory and mental processing, according to the National Library of Medicine. AARP reported that puzzle games can also improve your mood and decrease stress. Without the worry of time limits or the possibility of losing, puzzles allow people to focus their attention on a relaxing task that challenges the brain. From mazes to word searches, there are puzzle games out there to suit all different interests and skill levels, so anyone can enjoy the benefits of playing them.
Board games
According to a landmark study, playing board games is associated with a reduced risk of developing dementia for older adults. Classic board games that are still loved by many include chess, checkers, Monopoly, and Scrabble. If you don’t have anyone to play with, don’t worry! Cafés, senior centers, and parks are examples of places where you can socialize and enjoy some healthy competition outside the home. Positive social connections help support your emotional well-being and sense of belonging, while combating feelings of isolation and depression. Your local library may also offer a game collection, usually including board games, that you can borrow from for free.
Video games
Of the 205 million video game players in the US, 57.4 million (28%) are over the age of 50, according to the Entertainment Software Association. This includes gaming on a personal computer (PC), mobile device, or gaming console (e.g. Nintendo, PlayStation, Xbox). Depending on the game, people can experience different benefits from playing. For example, games that incorporate physical movement can improve balance and coordination in players, while logic-based games are specifically designed to challenge and sharpen the mind. AARP states that gamers aged 50 and over prefer brain teasers and logic-based games over sports, action/adventure, and strategy genres. Gaming can also be a great social activity for older adults and people with limited transportation access through online play and communication.
Common health issues older adults and people with disabilities may have, like joint pain and vision decline, can affect their gaming experience. Using adaptive controllers – including voice-control technology, pedals controlled by foot or mouth, and controller modifications sold separately by the console manufacturer – can make gaming more accessible for all players.
