Think video games are just for the young? Think again. They are becoming a big hit for Boomers and beyond, and for good reason. New research being conducted at places like Cornell, the University of South Carolina and the University of Florida seeks to prove that video games are good for more than just wasting time.
Getting in mental and physical shape
Last year a report published by the University of New South Wales in Sydney, Australia, stated that a surge in mental activity even later in life can put off the effects of dementia. The stir about video games for the elderly has been enough for healthcare providers to stand up and take notice: older people play video games and reap benefits from them.
Teens have been using the excuse that it builds eye-hand coordination and memory for years. Well, it looks like that just may be true and the elderly have figured it out. Games geared towards enhancing your memory and physical activities are among the most popular with seniors.
Seniors are getting it
Not only that, but they are loving it! You can find them in senior centers, retirement communities and private homes all over the world. Golf and bowling for the Nintendo Wii are extremely popular, as well as plenty of online games. So what is all the hub-bub about? It’s easy, really: they are stimulating and fun.
There is even a computer game company owned by and for the elderly that focuses on creating video games not only for seniors, but also for those that are handicapped.
If you haven’t considered adding a game console to your gift-giving list this year for a senior, perhaps you should
