Play Video Games to Slow Down Elderly Mental Decline

Friends can keep you young! Can games keep you sharp?

“There is, of course, no cure for memory loss, and no preventive vaccine. Yet a rapidly growing body of evidence suggests that certain behaviors may reliably slow the effects of age-related cognitive decline. Chief among them: eating right, exercising and engaging in social activity and mentally challenging tasks.” Source: time.com

The strategy, memory and problem-solving skills necessary for mastering certain games may translate to benefits in the real world, beyond a glowing computer screen. “Brainy” games make many claims, though skills are indeed trainable through computer simulations. This year, computer tablets populate the stores, computer apps and games are too common to miss. Physical hand and eye coordination games are played on computer consoles by people of all ages. Is the result that our senior’s minds can be trained now to hold on for more years than we ever thought?

Some games could enhance a wide range of real-world skills

Some games require a wide range of real-world skills, including memory, special ability, reasoning and problem-solving. The researchers seek to find out what paths to follow so we can ultimately produce games for this purpose, to save the mind.

“McLaughlin and Allaire say they intend to identify exactly what components of video game play may help preserve mental fitness into old age. "Is it because it is novel, the level of attention required or the collaboration with other players?" asks Allaire, 35. He says he hopes that by the time he is a senior citizen, playing video games will be as commonplace for those over 65 as it is for young people today. "I think World of Warcraft will always be cool and kids will think their grandparents are cool for playing it," he says. They might not be too pleased, though, when Grandpa beats them at their favorite game.” Source: time.com

Next time you’re grandchildren come to visit and are playing video games, pick up a controller and ask how to play!

When grandparents, parents, and kids enjoy a video game as a group, they’re also learning good sportsmanship, engaging in communication, and just getting a chance to sit, talk, and open up to one another. Some therapists recommend that families wind down together with at least one game night a week. If you have developed good video gaming habits, such as moderation and some self-control, much like knowing when to stop drinking, video games can be a fun and healthy way to bond with family.

7 Tips for Getting the Most out of Family Video Game Play

Time Limits
How much time spent in front of the TV is too much? Light, air, and physical activity is important so make sure you balance time inside with time outside.

Multiple Player Games
Play the game together as a family. Adopt a group goal or task. Unity and collaboration become the stronger values. Cooperative games and low-stress games can ease a non-gamer into the digital world. Raise a puppy or build a town together.

Free-to-play Parent Accounts
Some games encourage grandparents and parents to play alongside their kids with special “parent” accounts.

Healthy Snacks
Fresh veggies and dip, cheese, water, or fruit juice are healthy. No need to make the game an excuse for bad eating habits.

Take Breaks
There are always situation in which people get a bit too excited or too angry at game outcomes. Remember to take stress-free breaks to change the tone when things get tough. You are together for unity and family joy, not warfare.

Parental Controls
Most video game consoles offer grandparents and parents the chance to use built-in controls that regulate playtime or filter out potentially offensive content. This can be an effective way to ensure that the family only plays games that are appropriate for all ages.

Physical Activity Balance
Mix things up as far as family activities go. Set aside time to hike, ride bikes, play outdoors, or start up a game of hockey or baseball. At least two hours outside together make a good balance for one hour gaming indoors.

Jaleh Neshat, Home Care Assistance, Raleigh, NC, where the focus is on The Balanced Care Method™ for in home care in North Carolina. Read more how-to information on home health care on the website.