Video games can improve memory and stimulate the brain of the elderly

TV presenter Ana Maria Braga, 73, was one of those chosen to form the new team of Playstation representatives in Brazil. But for some, the question may come automatically: What is the relationship between the Games and Ana Maria?

What few know is that the presenter is a gaming fan and the brand was wise to include him in their impressive card.

It is representative of the growing movement of adults and seniors entering the world of gaming not only in search of entertainment but also thinking about health.

Understand the impact of games on the mental, physical and emotional health of seniors.

Over the years, our brain undergoes physical and chemical changes that result in a reduction in the size of brain mass, which is a natural process.

However, according to some researchers, this decrease may be the result of pathological processes that accelerate aging, such as chemical dysfunctions in the brain, reduction in synapses, the effects of neurodegenerative diseases, depression, among other causes.

But brain aging is different for everyone, and according to research, people with greater cognitive reserve have a protective factor against dementia.

Cognitive reserve consists of people’s life experiences, which may be richer or more incomplete. This accumulation of knowledge is a support It is stronger, creates a protective factor for the brain to better cope with aging and neurological diseases.

Additionally, people with greater cognitive reserve are more open to new experiences, and this improves performance by creating new synaptic pathways in the brain.

And in this scenario, video games have entered as a tool to maintain the health of the elderly, not only cognitively, but also physically and emotionally.

What is the relationship between games and the health of the elderly?

When we talk about video games, we only think of leisure and entertainment. However, in addition to these functions, games play an important stimulating role in our brain.

Some games require quick thinking to solve problems. Others require memory usage to find items.

Although it is not an ideal exercise in “exercise games”, the player moves the whole body, resulting in stimulation of the motor, visual and balance departments. During the pandemic, these games were used as an alternative to maintaining mobility.

Games also have a social factor. All communities are formed because of a single game. As an example, we can mention the League of Legends, Pokémon Go, DOTA communities, among others.

According to the researchers, family ties are also getting closer, encouraging more interaction between generations. All these factors led to a promising result.

According to research published in the journal Computers in Human Behavior, preliminary data shows that older people who play video games are better off and have fewer symptoms of depression.

Apparently, the stimulus promoted by games creates new neural connections and strengthens cognitive reserve, either as a protection against the natural neurodegenerative process or by delaying the effects of already established diseases.

What are the benefits?

The main benefits can be listed as follows:

• Improved memory;
• Improved spatial perception;
• Improved motor coordination;
• Expansion of social contact;
• Improvement of emotional indicators;
• Improved reasoning.

These are just a few of the promoted benefits seen in older adults playing video games.

Will any games do?

Unfortunately not. According to a study, only games that the person has not touched before can provide the necessary stimulus for the development of new synapses.

Also, games should have a dynamic that can be changed over time. As in the research, those who played Super Mario had better memory scores than those who played Angry Birds.

How to choose a game?

Choose games by class. Among the endless possibilities are games that use reasoning, memory, sports and virtual reality technology to walk, run.

In addition to consoles and computers, video games can be played on mobile phones and tablets.

So, if you want to invest in games, discover what’s new and look for those who can help you in the areas where you struggle the most.