Interactive
Games for Seniors - 12 Wonderful Benefits

Are Interactive Games

Any Benefit to Seniors?

Do interactive games for seniors have any real benefits? You bet they do!

If our senior loved ones are not yet playing games, we should encourage them to start doing so right now.

Why?

Because playing games isn’t just a pass time for children. Game playing is fun, engaging, and has many benefits for all of us. Even in very old age.

These benefits include a sharper memory and improved fine motor skills. Come see what else they can do:

So, What Exactly Are
Interactive Games for Seniors?

Interactive Games for Seniors?

Let’s start with the definition of “interactive” as presented by yourdictionary .com:

“The definition of interactive is action and communication between two people or two things, such as two-way communication. An example of an interactive game is one in which you communicate with the game and the game gives feedback back based on what you said or did.” reference: yourdictionary.com


So, in a nutshell, what we have is games that we play with another person, OR, with a computer.

Defeating
Isolation and Loneliness

Did you know interactive games for seniors can reduce the feeling of loneliness in seniors when real human interaction is not possible?

“Loneliness and social isolation are an increasing problem in older adults with the aging of society. One option to foster social contact is through online games, which allow social interaction at a distance.” ref: “The Use of Online Games to Decrease Loneliness in Older Adults”

Interactive games, that is: games you play with your computer, are not only fun and provide social activities, receiving isolation and loneliness, they also have many other benefits.

Take a look:

BENEFITS
of
Interactive Games for Seniors

Interactive games for seniors are never, and never will be, a replacement for human interaction. But, besides being just plain fun to play, they can fill many otherwise lonely hours with fun activities that actually have a number of very important Benefits that include:

• Prevent Isolation and Loneliness
  
  
• Better Emotional Well-Being
  
  
• Improved Balance
  
  
• Activate the Brain
  
  
• Enhance brain Function
  
  
• Improve Memory
  
  
• Enhanced Cognitive Ability
  
  
• Keep Our Minds Sharp
  
  
• Reduced the Risk of Alzheimer’s
  
  
• Keep Our Bodies Active
  
  
• Improve Motor and Visual Skills
  
  
• Relieve Stress

refrence: "Why Should Elderly Play Games" oscarsenior.com

Playing Games Improves Performance
of
Everyday Activities

When we play interactive games, they are not just fun, they not only engage our minds and emotions, they actually improve our daily everyday functions. Take a look at this from “The Independent” independent.co.uk:


“Playing online games which exercise reasoning and memory skills could have major benefits for older people, a wide-scale study has found.

Researchers at King's College London discovered that mental exercises, can improve people's everyday lives, helping with tasks like using public transport, shopping, cooking and managing personal finances.”

“Dr Anne Corbett, from the Institute of Psychiatry, Psychology and Neuroscience at King's College London, said: "The impact could be extremely significant for older adults who are looking for a way to proactively maintain their cognitive health as they age.”

What is
“Gaming”?

It’s not just for kids!

Do you know what “gaming” is?

It’s “playing video games”. Of any kind.

When you play games online, whether with another person, or, against the computer itself you are playing “interactive games for seniors”! And, when you do, you officially become a “Gamer”.

That’s right. It’s that simple.

“Interactive games for seniors” simply means playing games with someone or with your computer. Gaming. And, when you play, you are called a “gamer”!

“Gamer”, Gaming… Use those words in conversations with the grandkids and they’ll think you are super hip (is the word “hip” now dated??)

Welcome to the world to video games!

Here's How a 100 Year Old
Keeps Sharp Playing Nintendo DS

Think you're too old to play video games? Well, think again. Here's how a Beautiful 100 years okd lady keeps sharp playing Nintendo DS:

The Importance of
“Play”

Did you know playing is especially important for seniors?

Playing games helps restore our vigor. It refreshes our minds, our bodies, and our senses.

Playing interactive games and having fun is actually a very powerful activity for seniors. Games have the power to improve brain function and prevent and/or improve memory function.

Playing interactive games with other seniors provides a wonderful opportunity to remove the feeling of isolation and depression that so many seniors face.

Playing interactive games for seniors is fun. This can trigger the release of endorphins which:

• Increase overall emotional well being
  
  
• Improve optimism
  
  
• Reduce stress
  
  
• Create moments of Joy and Happiness
  
  
• Boost your immune system
  
  
• Reduce the feelings of physical pain
  

reference: Aging in Place .com



Also, playing interactive games for seniors can stimulate the imagination. Did you know this helps improve problem solving ability?

And, as we all know, play and fun will lighten your heart!


“A study conducted by North Carolina State University has shown seniors who play video games regularly or even occasionally report better overall emotional well-being….

According to Dr. Jason Allaire, associate professor of psychology at NC State and a lead author of a paper which describes the findings of the study, ‘The research published here suggests that there is a link between gaming and better well-being and emotional functioning.’ ”

Finding the Best Interactive Games
Online

Now that you know how many benefits there are for seniors who regularly play games, where can you find the Best interactive games for seniors online?

We’re glad you asked.

There are so many great interactive games for seniors online. Too many to list in just this one article.

So, we wrote an entire article for you where you will find 40 of the very best online games. The article is called: “The Top 40 Best Online Games for Seniors”

Just click on that link and you’ll be on your way to playing some of the very best interactive games for seniors!

Interactive Games for Seniors

CONCLUSION

Playing games is not just for the kids. Play is important for everyone of every age.

Playing interactive games for seniors is one of the best things we seniors (and our parents!) can do to stay sharp upstairs. To keep in contact and fun with others.

Regularly playing like this can also remove the feelings of isolation and loneliness that so many older seniors face each day.

So, if you, or a senior loved one isn’t yet playing interactive games for seniors, it’s time to start!

Enjoy!  ~ William, Fiona, and Charlotte

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