They used to say playing computer games would rot your brain. However, studies show that playing video games can have positive effects on the human brain. For instance, moderate gamers tend to improve and increase the size of certain parts of the brain.
These are the parts in charge of retaining focus and visuospatial skills. In moderation, games also help develop beneficial skills with gameplay linked to improved multitasking skills, reflexes, reading, decision-making, info-gathering, and balanced moods.
Similar effects are observed in the elderly when they play strategy-based games. Because of this, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP) says the right games can help stave off neurodegeneration. Read on to learn about the benefits of AARP games.
What Is AARP?
The AARP is a non-profit organization committed to empowering individuals ages 50 years and older. It holds projects that help its clientele address common issues such as health, work, retirement, hunger, and scams.
In line with its goal to empower individuals 50 and up, one of the organizations’ initiatives is to help them keep their brains healthy through various games found on its website.
What Kind of Games Does AARP Offer?
The easiest way to describe the type of games offered by the AARP website is that they are games designed to exercise the brain muscle. These are games that require strategy-making, observation, decision-making, and other skills that can keep the brain healthy.
It offers various categories including word, arcade, card, puzzle, and strategy. Users can enjoy familiar ones such as Chess, 8 ball Pool, Backgammon, and Tetris-like games that require strategies, reflexes, and coordination.
The best thing about the website’s offerings is that organization members can play exclusive games that are guaranteed to be of higher quality, more challenging, and fun. Some examples include The daily Crossword, Lumeno, and Knife Smash.
Every game targets various parts of the brain, which can keep players sharp, coordinated, and attentive.
The Benefits of Playing AARP Games For Seniors
The AARP recognizes the potential of games in helping seniors take care of their brain health. Here are some of the benefits of playing.
Stay on Your Toes
Individuals who play mental games available on the AARP website can expect to sharpen brain functions. As mentioned, these games are mostly strategy-based, which helps exercise parts of the brain responsible for critical thinking, memory, and concentration.
These also help seniors brighten up and become more alert. Puzzles such as Mathdoku and Codeword help maintain math and word skills.
Reduce the Possibility of Neurodegeneration
One of the most worrisome medical conditions faced by senior individuals are brain degenerative diseases such as Alzheimer’s and dementia as these can greatly reduce their quality of life.
These diseases affect the gray matter in the brain, which is basically the nerve cell network that helps the organ function. By playing these games, they can exercise their brain to increase gray matter, thus staving off neurodegenerative diseases.
Improved Reflexes and Coordination
While these games can be played while sitting or even lying down, they require attention and multitasking skills. Players need to coordinate their sight, hands, and fingers, while also thinking of their current and next moves.
So, playing these can help them keep their senses and thoughts more coordinated. Moreover, games such as Landing Party and Knife Smash require alertness, which can train players to focus and observe.
The Bottom Line
As much as some of the elderly like to complain about young people playing computer games, there is no denying that they, too, can benefit from these digital recreational tools.
So, make sure to play games for your brain to keep your mind sharp and alert for years to come. In addition, you can check out the services of the AARP app.
