Why Do Old People Play Games?
Now, game consoles are in the hands of not only young people but also grandparents. In the US, 57 million people over the age of 50 play games regularly, representing 28 percent of the total gaming population. This digital world, which ranges from fast-paced action games like Call of Duty to brain-training apps, offers seniors not only entertainment but also mental clarity and social connection.
Why Are Games Attractive to Seniors?
60-year-old Michelle Statham streams on Twitch under the name TacticalGramma and engages her more than 110,000 followers while playing Call of Duty. She says she plays the game not just for fun but also for mental agility and social connection. She also learns new-generation internet jargon from her younger audience, and she doesn’t forget to have fun along the way. Thousands of older gamers like her see games as a way to combat loneliness and connect with younger players.
Will, 72, who lives in Missouri, also streams games under the name “GrndpaGaming.” Will, who has 1.4 million YouTube subscribers, says he’s completely attuned to technology. Games help him stay mentally active and inspire older adults. He says games break down the “I can’t do it” mentality that comes with age.
Research suggests that some video games support cognitive skills such as memory and attention in older adults. Puzzle-based games, in particular—such as Tetris or Monument Valley—improve visual memory and processing skills. Some fitness games have even been shown to be more effective than physical therapy in improving balance.
However, not all games have the same effect. A study on first-person shooter games like Call of Duty found that these games can cause gray matter loss in the hippocampus region of the brain. This is a factor that may increase the risk of Alzheimer’s in older adults. Furthermore, it’s also suggested that the social interaction these games provide can offset these potential risks. In other words, the positive effects of games can vary depending on the type of game played and the social environment.
The physical limitations that come with age—such as joint pain, poor vision, or loss of mobility—can make gaming challenging. However, developing technology offers various solutions to overcome these obstacles. For example, Will uses a special keyboard to prevent his fingertips from going numb. With voice-activated game controllers, foot or mouth pedals, and 3D-printed adaptable devices, older people can also navigate the gaming world more freely.
Video games aren’t just for young people. Through gaming, older people can now both build a social circle and stimulate their minds. This new generation of gamers is shattering the perception of “I’m old, I can’t do this” while also expanding the inclusiveness of the gaming world. Their motto is simple: No matter your age, you can get back into the game—just like hitting the respawn button.
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