Study suggests granny should grab an X-Box

gamer

Video games may find redemption: a new study shows that higher levels of emotional well-being are achieved in senior-aged gamers. Greater well-being and less depression characterized the group of older gamers suggesting that video games may have a positive influence after all.

61% of seniors are gaming at least occasionally

Participants in the study out of North Carolina State University were aged 63 and older. They were asked if they played video games and were then invited to take a battery of tests to assess their emotional and social well-being. The group was then divided into three study units: the gamers, the occasional gamers and the non-gamers. As many as 61% of the seniors played video games at least occasionally while 35% said they played once a week, the so-called gamers.

Gamers had increased well-being and better social functioning

The elders who played once a week and even those who only played occasionally reported higher levels of well-being than their peers who didn’t play at all. Those who didn’t play reported more negative emotions and a tendency toward higher levels of depression.

More research aims to discover any causal link

“The research published here suggests that there is a link between gaming and better well-being and emotional functioning,” suggested Dr. Jason Allaire, lead author and an associate professor of psychology at NC State. “We are currently planning studies to determine whether playing digital games actually improves mental health in older adults.”

Grand Theft Auto or Minecraft?

There was no word on what types of games they played and if the type of game had a specific influence. Still, the results seem to indicate that gaming could be a positive component of successful ageing.

Source: MedicalNewsToday, Computers in Human Behavior


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