You might not think that the terms “video games” and “older adults” go together, but recent studies have shown that, surprisingly, a large number of seniors have taken to playing video games as a pastime over the last few years. It’s no wonder – modern video game systems like the Wii are designed to be more accessible to people of all ages, from children to older adults. Additionally, video games can have a wide variety of positive impacts on the mental and physical health of seniors. Read on for a list of gaming benefits from Brightwater Senior Living.

A New Workout Routine

If you’re getting sick of the monotony of water aerobics, yoga, and walking, why not give a fitness-based video game a try? Games like Ring Fit Adventure for the Nintendo Switch and Wii Fit for the Nintendo Wii are designed to get gamers to exercise in order to progress in the game. The games offer a range of different exercise options, from hula hooping to jogging in place. They’re great options for getting your daily workout in, and you can adjust the intensity to fit your level of fitness.

Better Coordination & Balance

In addition to providing a healthy workout, games like Wii FIt can also help improve your balance through the use of easy-to-do, at-home yoga exercises. Studies show that these video game-based exercises help to improve older adults’ coordination. In addition to Wii Fit, games that feature this combination include Wii Sports and 1-2 Switch for the Nintendo Switch.

Improved Mental Health

While the past two points alone – improved balance and more fun workouts – can already lead to a better outlook on life, playing video games can also provide a sense of routine and restore diminished executive function for seniors. One study showed that feelings of depression were lower in seniors who played video games over seniors who didn’t, and another noted that working memory improved in gaming seniors.

Increased Social Opportunities

Many games such as Wii Play, Wii Sports, and 1-2 Switch are designed to be played with two or more participants. This provides an excellent way for older adults to bond with younger family members, caretakers, or friends. Some senior living communities even have game systems set up in common areas or provide game nights for community members.

We hope this article was able to shed some light on the not-so-new connection between older adults and video games. If you’d like more info on surprisingly fun activities to engage in as a senior, check out Brightwater’s blog.