Video games are marketed to young people, but their true benefit may just lie with a demographic you might not expect: older folks. Whether as part of a senior's everyday activities or as a component of a larger memory care program, there are numerous ways video games help older individuals.

How Video Games Help Seniors

1. Video Games Increase Happiness

One eye-opening study found that gamers age 63 and older experienced higher levels of emotional and mental well-being. They were depressed less often, and they were more social, too. And one need not be a daily gamer to reap this increase in happiness; even those who gamed less than once a week reported better overall levels of emotional health.

2. Video Games Improve Memory

Video games have been found to help older folks better remember names, dates, and times, and improve their overall short-term memory. As part of an ongoing memory care plan, video games also boost brain activity and cognitive control. Even a limited amount of gaming can reverse or delay some of the cognitive effects of aging.

3. Video Games Encourage Physical Activity

Happiness and memory care are not the only advantages of gaming. Certain types of games, such as those for Wii, encourage the player to take part in physical activity. These games can keep a senior active. Regular exercise comes with countless benefits that counteract the loss of energy, strength, and stamina that accompany the aging process.

These are just a few of the benefits video games offer seniors. If you have an older loved one in need of some extra support and assistance, trust GrandeVille Senior Living Community. Serving Rochester, NY, and the Finger Lakes regions, they provide a vibrant senior living community for older adults to thrive. They also offer memory care and adult day care programs. Call (585) 621-6160 or visit their website to schedule a tour.