Probably not what you think of when you think of therapy or exercise, but the truth is that video games have been shown to be one of the most efficient ways for seniors to make the most of their senior years. Researchers have found a wide range of advantages to playing video games during the past 20 years. The benefits of playing what was once viewed as little more than a method to kill time for seniors are discussed below, along with some of the more notable physical and psychological advantages that are available to them.
Physical Advantages
Video games have long been known to help with hand-eye coordination, but current research suggests that this is just the tip of the iceberg. Video games have been shown to be useful at improving hand mobility in people with arthritis. The placebo effect that goes along with playing has been shown to be a very effective method of pain alleviation for people who experience it. In some circumstances, even vision can be enhanced as playing may aid in focusing the eye muscles.
These days, playing video games might help you stay in shape. Wii gaming may offer a wonderful low-impact yet efficient form of exercise for many seniors. This is partly due to the Wii system, which controls video games using arm and body motions while also offering beneficial cardiovascular exercise. Even in routine therapy, a lot of physical therapists use the Wii to make seniors’ recovery more enjoyable.
Therapy Using Video Games
Seniors may become susceptible as they age to a number of age-related disorders, many of which are psychosomatic. For instance, elderly are one of the populations most susceptible to depression. Depression can cause a number of physical conditions that might worsen health, in addition to its psychological effects. These conditions include exhaustion, social disengagement, weight loss, sleep difficulties, increased drug usage, and even suicidal thoughts. In addition to many other known health advantages, playing video games can offer a means to avoid these hazards.
Video games have proven to be a beneficial addition to conventional speech treatment for serious conditions like aphasia. Memory and puzzle games can be played for exercise and amusement while offering efficient aphasia treatment activities. And given the abundance of senior-friendly games available, it’s not difficult to choose a game that might be the ideal source of cognitive tasks for senior citizens.
Video games can be a wonderful way to foster the much-needed social interaction when played online. Seniors can socialize wherever they are by playing online games, whether with their existing friends or making new ones. Additionally, playing computer games has been discovered to lessen or even reverse the detrimental effects of aging on the brain, according to a recent UC San Francisco study, so it’s not just good for friendship. Researchers have shown that playing video games can assist the aging brain with multitasking, attention, reflexes, and even memory. Video games are one of the most entertaining forms of cognitive activity for older folks.
Affordable Healthcare
Finally, it’s important to note that video games can be quite affordable. You may easily find thousands of hours of fun or therapy in video games for as little as $200 thanks to refurbished laptops, Internet downloading, and ever falling console prices. There are several free memory games online for individuals who can only afford the cost of an Internet connection. You’ll probably concur that it’s a tiny amount to pay for your loved one’s improved spirits, better health, and all-around heightened sense of wellbeing.