Our society, especially from the point of view that are not internet natives, has a negative view of those individuals that spend quite a bit of time on their phones. Internet natives are people who have grown up and have never experienced life without the internet. But even though certain portions of the population have more experience with the world wide web and the technology that goes along with it does not mean that they are the only ones that can. In fact, there is a lot to gain for our elderly loved ones through augmented reality, such as Pokemon Go.
But how exactly does this work? Let’s take a closer look.
It’s true that phones can have a huge negative impact. Being on your phone cruising the internet constantly has been shown to change the way that your brain operates. But this doesn’t mean that technology is inherently bad. In fact, this had been the subject of debate for decades before computers and the internet were household items.The good or bad that comes from television, computers, or an iPhone really depends on what the user of that medium is doing. A phone that is used to help promote exercise and improve health is a good thing. These are all concerns that your elderly mom or dad might have, so being well versed in how to explain it will benefit you greatly, especially if increased exercise and improved mental health is one of their goals.
Pokemon Go is a poignant example of the huge impact that phone and other video games can have on people. And while the target audience was young, this does not mean that it is only for a younger audience and it does not mean that it is the only game of this type that can deliver the same benefits. It encourages physical activity, social interaction, and critical thinking skills. These are things that many seniors do not naturally get, and participating in the game can help to promote them.
Yes, the popularity of the game has long since waned. But thanks to the fact that it was so popular so quickly, a huge sample size of participants was achieved, helping researchers interested in the health effects of massive multiplayer augmented reality games find accurate information quickly.
Do you need to have a phone or play a game to experience the health benefits of games like Pokemon Go? Absolutely not. But for some people, the motivation, strategy, and fun of games like these helps to provide the motivation needed to get going. The bottom line is that elderly folk need exercise in order to increase their likelihood of being healthy for longer. Games are often easy ways to introduce exercise. They are something that even individuals with mild disabilities, such as those that might be present when someone is receiving in-home care, can actively participate in. If you have a loved one that might benefit from play and exercise, smartphone games might be a good direction to look.
Leave a Reply