{"id":669,"date":"2014-02-25T20:54:41","date_gmt":"2014-02-25T20:54:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.senioradvisor.com\/blog\/?p=669"},"modified":"2015-01-28T22:33:03","modified_gmt":"2015-01-29T04:33:03","slug":"4-surprising-benefits-of-gaming-for-older-adults","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/d30braiqprupoq.cloudfront.net\/blog\/2014\/02\/4-surprising-benefits-of-gaming-for-older-adults\/","title":{"rendered":"4 Surprising Benefits of Gaming for Older Adults"},"content":{"rendered":"

4 Surprising Benefits of Gaming for Older Adults<\/h1>\n

\"Wii<\/p>\n

Even if the only game you\u2019ve played before is Bridge, you can become a \u201cgamer\u201d \u2013 someone who plays video games or games online. It might feel like kids spend too much time gaming, but it\u2019s a hobby you might want to try. Research has shown that seniors who have embraced gaming live a healthier life.<\/p>\n

Here are four benefits of gaming and ways to get started:<\/p>\n

    \n

    \n
  1. Encourages interaction with others<\/li>\n<\/h3>\n

    Gaming can be a social activity. Once a week, meet up with friends to play your favorite game. Choose a video game that multiple players can enjoy, or bring your computers along and play your favorite online game or puzzle.<\/p>\n

    Research shows<\/span><\/a> that \u201csenior citizens who increase or maintain social interaction have less cognitive and physical limitations.\u201d You not only better your health \u2013 you can strengthen friendships, meet people with similar interests and have fun!<\/p>\n

    What to play \u2013 The New York Times Crosswords<\/span><\/a>:<\/strong> Get social by completing your favorite Sunday crossword puzzle. Choose today\u2019s puzzle or one from a previous week. Compete against other players to get social, show your skills and keep your brain sharp.<\/p>\n

    \n
  2. Keeps your mind healthy<\/li>\n<\/h3>\n

    Video games can keep seniors\u2019 minds sharp. Playing video games improves hand-eye coordination and increases mental sharpness<\/span><\/a>. Researchers also found that after playing online games, seniors had a boost in brain activity<\/span><\/a> similar to younger people. <\/p>\n

    And staying sharp isn\u2019t the only benefit \u2013 you\u2019ll be happier overall. Seniors who regularly or occasionally game<\/span><\/a> \u201creported higher levels of well-being, positive mood, social functioning and better self-reported health than non-gamers.\u201d<\/p>\n

    What to play \u2013 Lumosity<\/span><\/a>:<\/strong> Train your brain and improve your memory with these online games that were developed by neuroscientists.<\/p>\n

    \n
  3. Keeps your body active<\/li>\n<\/h3>\n

    Ever heard of \u201cexergames?\u201d . It\u2019s a combination of exercising and games. Exergames offer many benefits for seniors. One study found that these types of video games improve balance and help avoid falls<\/span><\/a>.<\/p>\n

    Additionally, exergames offer activities different from the usual walk on the treadmill or water aerobics. The American College of Sports Medicine found that some senior exergamers can burn up to 176 calories in just 30 minutes. <\/p>\n

    What to play \u2013 Wii Fit Plus<\/span><\/a>:<\/strong> Bowl, play tennis and more with these exergames from Nintendo. Play individually or against a few friends or family members!<\/p>\n

    \n
  4. Learn to use the latest technology<\/li>\n<\/h3>\n

    Many seniors are embracing younger generational traits. Just look at social networks \u2013 according to NPR<\/span><\/a>, \u201cpeople over the age of 65 are the fastest-growing group on social media.\u201d Senior citizens are using the latest technologies to communicate, game, stream movies and read.<\/p>\n

    Consider a tablet \u2013 you can download apps that allow you to game wherever you are. And if you\u2019re tech-savvy enough for this, you can teach yourself to stream movies, tv shows and athletic events online, upload pictures to your Facebook account and more. You don\u2019t have to be a millennial to be an expert on the newest technology.<\/p>\n

    What to play \u2013 Angry Birds<\/span><\/a>:<\/strong> Play one of the most popular mobile apps on your iPad or smartphone. Launch birds to destroy pigs (trust me \u2013 it\u2019s much more entertaining than it sounds).<\/p>\n<\/ol>\n

    The bottom line? Seniors have tons of options when it comes to keeping their brains fit. Grab a friend and try out a new game today. It\u2019s the first step to a healthier \u2013 and more entertaining \u2013 life!<\/p>\n

    \n

    Guest Post by Kimberly Barnes<\/a><\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

    4 Surprising Benefits of Gaming for Older Adults Even if the only game you\u2019ve played before is Bridge, you can become a \u201cgamer\u201d \u2013 someone who plays video games or games online. It might feel like kids spend too much time gaming, but it\u2019s a hobby you might want to try. Research has shown that seniors who have embraced gaming […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2267,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[200,35],"tags":[42,44],"class_list":{"0":"post-669","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","6":"category-families-caregivers","7":"category-senior-health-fitness","8":"tag-active-retirement","9":"tag-senior-fitness"},"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\n4 Surprising Benefits of Gaming for Older Adults - SeniorAdvisor.com Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Research has shown that seniors who have embraced gaming live a healthier life. 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