When did you last use a video game console? What kinds of video games did you like to play?
Whatever your hobbies and interests, playing video games is healthy for you. There are several advantages to playing video games, from enhancing cognitive abilities to reducing stress.
The potential good impact of video games on spatial navigation, the brain’s capacity for learning, wellness, social connection, and even mobility and balance is one of the factors contributing to their rise in popularity among older generations.
Explore the following list of 5 surprising advantages of playing video games for seniors, and if you don’t already, learn how to get started.
Positive Effect on Spatial Navigation, Perception And Memories
According to a study done at Macquarie University, playing video games regularly can really improve the volume of grey matter in your brain and the connection between different sections of your brain. You might be wondering what grey matter is. Simply put, grey matter is connected to your brain’s ability to regulate your muscles, remember things, navigate in space, and perceive things.
The fact that competitive video game players have more gray matter than the ordinary person suggests that playing games might keep your brain healthy and functional. Playing video games has also improved your attention and multitasking abilities.
Helps One Learn Faster
Our brains are always guessing what will happen next — whether listening to a discussion, driving, or even doing surgery. In order to grasp what will happen next, our brains create models, or “templates,” from the environment around us.
Those who played action video games, like Call of Duty, were able to build “templates” a lot faster than those who played slower-paced games from other genres, according to a research that examined the impact of action-oriented games on cognitive function and learning. Simply said, action video games can hasten learning.
Action games significantly enhance performance on a variety of attentional span, visual task, and cognitive tasks, according to another research. Playing video games trains your brain to pay attention to minute details, solve problems more effectively, and control impulsivity.
Improves Mobility and Balance
Exergames, or video games that promote fitness, such as Nintendo’s Ring Fit, can be entertaining methods to engage in physical activity while relaxing in your home. Exergames can help your loved ones improve their balance and mobility, according to studies, in addition to being entertaining and entertaining. Researchers found that playing physical video games on Nintendo Wii, Xbox, and PlayStation console systems improved participants’ postural balance and mobility in a study.
Good For Mental Well-being
According to studies, playing video games might be beneficial for your physical and mental health. People who played video games for longer periods of time reported feeling happier, according to a ground-breaking Oxford University research done during the COVID-19 lockdown. Playing video games enhances your general mental health and aids with stress management.
Be More Social
Finally, playing video games doesn’t have to be a lonely experience. Video games may be an excellent technique for overcoming loneliness since they enable connections between individuals all over the world. There are several games that may be played online with friends, family, and other players.
Players can connect with others online through games like Farmville, Words with Friends, or Boom Beach. Online multiplayer video game play can enhance social skills such as behavior comprehension, teamwork, and peer-to-peer learning.
