More and more older adults are taking up gaming, according to new research from statistics portal Statista and broadband provider TalkTalk.
Earlier this year, Statista reported that 41% of people aged 55-64 are gamers. This marks a 64% increase over the last 10 years.
With this in mind, TalkTalk surveyed 1,000 gamers from this age group to find out how and why they game, and how it shapes their everyday lives. Below, we look at some of the findings and offer tips for embracing gaming in later life.
There are various reasons why more older adults are turning to gaming. For example…
Gaming can help keep us mentally sharp
Over half (59%) of respondents to TalkTalk’s survey said they play games to stay mentally sharp. And while more research is needed to determine exactly how video games affect our brains, some studies have suggested that they can boost cognitive function.
For example, this study from the Manchester Museum of Science and Industry and Western University in Canada found that gamers performed better in memory, attention, and reasoning skills tests compared to non-gamers. Those taking part in the study said they played games like FIFA, Roblox, Rocket League, and Mario Kart.
Interestingly, none of the games mentioned above are brain-training-specific games. In fact, there’s very little evidence that brain-training games are beneficial for cognitive function. So, if you play games to stay mentally sharp, it’s probably not worth prioritising these over traditional commercial titles.
Gaming can help us stay connected
Gaming online with others is a great way to stay connected and even forge new connections. Over a quarter of older adults surveyed by TalkTalk said that gaming helps them feel less isolated, 18% said they’ve made new friends through gaming, and 17% said they play regularly with friends online.
Video games can offer a chance for intergenerational family connection, too. Fourteen per cent of respondents said they play with their grandchildren, and 11% said they enjoy games with younger relatives.
What’s more, connections made via gaming platforms don’t necessarily have to stay in the virtual realm, as 7% of respondents said they’ve met up with gaming friends in person.
Gaming can be relaxing
In TalkTalk’s survey, 65% of respondents found that gaming helps them relax – and this claim is backed up by scientific research.
For example, one study found that playing both competitive and cooperative games led to reduced stress, with cooperative games offering a slightly more positive effect.
Competitive games are those in which you compete against others (either as a team or individual), while cooperative games are where all players work together towards a goal.
What’s more, a different study found that playing a simple, casual video game had a similar de-stressing effect to taking part in a mindfulness meditation session.
Gaming can lead to personal growth
Just under half of the respondents to TalkTalk’s survey said that they play games to challenge themselves and foster personal growth.
Whether it’s working hard to beat a difficult level or learning the ropes of a new game, video games can offer us chances to step outside of our comfort zones, the benefits of which can be huge. For example, it can make us more resilient, teach us about who we are, and give us the confidence to tackle new things.
Gaming can be fun
As expected, most gamers (63%) surveyed by TalkTalk cited fun as a reason for gaming. After all, entertainment is the goal of most games.
Gaming doesn’t have to break the bank
Gaming can be an expensive hobby. Some games can fetch up to £99 each, and consoles many hundreds more. That’s not including other equipment (such as headphones and gaming chairs) and in-game purchases.
However, there are loads of ways to enjoy gaming without breaking the bank. In fact, according to TalkTalk’s survey, most older adults who game only spend around £4 a month on their hobby.
(Article source: Rest Less)
