“Video games will rot your brain!” We’ve all heard it, right? You may have been told this as a kid. I sure was! Some of us may have even said something similar to this to our own kids. I’m also guilty of this one. But current research shows that this isn’t necessarily true. In fact, seniors that play video games might experience benefits that were previously not considered.
Those that have suffered from a stroke look like they have the potential to greatly benefit from video games. A team of researchers worked with stroke survivors that had suffered from a loss of physical motion and encouraged daily video game play. Their findings were then compared to the results accomplished through physical therapy. They found that the results were pretty close to the same. In this instance, video game play was about the same in efficacy of helping to regain movement as physical therapy was.
Does this apply to any video game? Are some games or systems more effective than others?
In short, this research does not indicate that the benefits found here come from just any type of video game. Researchers were focused on a specific type of game that revolved around motion using sensors to track movement and apply it to the screen. This type of game encourages movement similar to what would occur in a physical therapy session. But because not everyone has easy access to physical therapy, movement games were tested out to see how effective they might be.
Game play was much more effective than expected. In fact, research indicates that this was just as effective as a highly regarded type of physical therapy called constraint-induced physical therapy. It presents a great option for those that can’t get to a therapy session, whether it’s because of cost considerations, location, or even being homebound.
This particular research was conducted by the University of Missouri-Columbia. They published their findings in the journal, eClinicalMedicine.
There are other benefits to video games besides physical therapy, though. For example, some games encourage critical thinking skills. Some games encourage communication and working together. There are benefits to all of these things, especially when it comes to seniors. Solving puzzles and thinking things through has been shown to help slow the spread of some types of dementia. Talking with others tends to lead to a greater sense of purpose and has been shown to help fight anxiety and depression in those that struggle with isolation. Not all video games fit these categories, but many do.
Finding the right course of treatment for a loved one that is struggling as they age can be difficult. Senior care can be a start, but it won’t necessarily cover everything that is needed. This is why having a team that works together is important.
If you’re looking for a team for an older loved one, we’d love to help you get started. Please don’t hesitate to give us a call to schedule a free consultation. We can’t promise that our services will be right for your family, but we can at least help you to get the ball rolling and talk about care and how it might benefit the people that you love.
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