Video Games Aren’t So Bad After All!

A recent study shows that motion gaming has beneficial effects on elderly individuals. Motion gaming is a field of interactive entertainment that involves frequent and sometimes continuous movement (common examples are the Nintendo Wii and Kinect systems). These platforms allow seniors to participate in activities they may be unable to otherwise enjoy, including various sports such as tennis, bowling, golf… perhaps even some boxing.

The benefits from such exercise is more than physical; it is also mental and psychological. According to a study by the Gerontological Society, virtual engagement through interactive games increases life satisfaction, positive moods, and physical activity by offering a forum that provides healthy fun with others. [1] In other words, seniors can feel involved and part of an activity, improving self-fulfillment and helping them build connection with others, especially the younger generation who have grown up with such games.

The physical benefits are obvious as a variety of studies have shown that even occasional motion gaming (a few times on the Wii, for example) has resulted in improved balance, coordination, and strength. For those at risk for falls, this is a tremendous benefit. Wii bowling taken off among seniors… indeed staff at Cascade Park Gardens have even hosted a tournament or two in the past.

Yet it has only been more recently that research has shown the positive impact beyond the body. Video games that encourage physical activity also help with depression. In a study by the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine, over a third of participants reported a 50% or greater reduction in depressive symptoms. [2]

So the next time someone tells you video games are harmful or a waste of time, you can mention this list of benefits [3] … just try not to tell your kids about it

• Increased physical attributes, including strength, coordination, and balance
• Significantly reduced levels of depression
• Increased socialization (Need proof? Just behold the phenomenon of Wii bowling)
• Helping bridge generational divides… let’s face it grandparents are cooler when they play video games [4]
  

[1] From a 10-week study conducted by Patricia Kahlbaugh, Ph.D from Southern Connecticut State University. See Zafar, Aylin. “Physical Video Games may Help the Elderly Psychologically.” The Atlantic. February 13, 2011. http://www.theatlantic.com/technology/archive/2011/02/physical-video-games-may-help-the-elderly-psychologically/71184/ (accessed March 14, 2011).

[2] Rosenberg, Dori, Colin Depp, Ipsit Vahia, Jennifer Reichstadt, Barton Palmer, Jacqueline Kerr, Gerg Norman, and Dilip Jeste.” Exergames for Sybsyndromal Depression in Older Adults: A Pilot Study of a Novel Intervention.” American Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry 18, no. 3 (March 2010): 221-226.

[3] Also see http://www.gamesforhealth.org/

[4] For more information on this specifically , see the following research — “Casual Video Game Play Encouraged by Parents, Grandparents.” Survey conducted by Information Solutions Group for PopCap Games. August 27, 2007. http://www.infosolutionsgroup.com/pdfs/video_games_encouraged.pdf (accessed March 14, 2011).