Video Games: Health Benefits for Seniors?

There’s new evidence that video games may help provide mental stimulation and exercise for older adults. That’s right, video games!

Many retirement homes and senior centers now include Wii bowling, tennis, boxing and other sports as a part of their regular activities. Even some members of the medical community use the games to help rehab patients recover from stroke and other disabilities.

Many studies are currently under way to better ascertain the benefits of video games for seniors, but preliminary findings are showing benefits. Psychology and Aging magazine reports that playing complex video games may improve the cognitive function of older adults and improve their ability to perform everyday tasks in the “real world.” In addition, strategy video games may help older adults keep their brains sharp and improve eye-hand coordination. While the games can’t ward Alzheimer’s or dementia, they may be able to slow the progression of the symptoms of these diseases.

The recent introduction of the Wii gaming system has brought new physical activities – such as golf and bowling -- to older adults, too. Wii Fit can be a good exercise tool for those who cannot take part in strenuous activities. While most of the exercises are gentle, some supervision is recommended for the balance exercises, which can help older adults improve their balance and reduce their risk of falls.

Surprisingly, more than 26 percent of people over the age of 50 now play video games. This figure will continue to grow because of their increasing popularity with seniors.

“Older people don’t like to do something if they think it is a waste of time,” says Babak Tousi, M.D, a board-certified geriatrician and movement disorder specialist at Lakewood Hospital's SeniorCare Assessment Center. "If they feel video games are worthwhile and fun, then more of them will participate.”

While we wait for the final verdict on the health benefits of video games for older adults, there’s no doubt that they do provide fun and recreation to people of all ages. And what other technology can connect grandparents together with their grandkids like a video game?

Lakewood hospital has a wide-array of SeniorCare Services, including SeniorCare Assessment, Senior Behavioral Health, Urinary Incontinence, Driver Rehab and more. For more information, call 216.227.CARE (2273) or visit lakewoodhospital.org/seniors