By: Virgilio C. Ventura
Introduction
Getting old brings about various dysfunctions to our body, both in the mental and physical aspect. As we reach the age of 50 and beyond, maintaining a healthy lifestyle becomes increasingly important but challenging. Engaging in games, both mental and physical, can have profound effects on our well-being as senior citizens. Let us now examine through this article the benefits of incorporating games into our lives. Let us focus our attention on the positive impact of games on our body’s cognitive function, social interactions, and physical well-being as we aim to underscore the significance of game design for our overall quality of life.
Cognitive Benefits of Mental Games
Mental games such as crosswords puzzles, bingo, scrabble, and monopoly are all initially designed to focus on the players’ “intrinsic and extrinsic motivations” to play. Intrinsic motivation is more focused on the player’s enjoyment of the game itself. Extrinsic motivation on the other hand is more focused on the external effect (getting a reward or avoiding a punishment) of the game on the player.1/ Research by Park et al. (2014) demonstrated that engaging in mentally stimulating activities reduces the risk of cognitive decline and dementia.2/ The same perspective applies to card games where the “senior players benefit from mentally demanding games, like Bridge, because they provide regular intellectual and social stimulation.”3/ The same can be said of the Chinese-influence mahjong that “requires a certain level of memory skills, such as tile setting, game rule and calculation.”4/ Likewise, while Hertzog et al. (2008) suggest that mental game exercises can indeed help maintain an active lifestyle for senior citizens fighting physiological decline, it is not clear whether an active lifestyle can be attributed to the cognitive function alone as there could also be affectations on the psychological and emotional well-being of the elderly.5/
Social Engagement through Games
Social interaction is a key component of mental well-being, especially for seniors, who may experience feelings of isolation. Participating in group games and activities fosters social connections and combats loneliness. Board games, card games, and interactive video games create opportunities for seniors to engage with peers, family members, and caregivers, ultimately promoting mental and emotional health (Seeman et al., 2001).6/ The enjoyment of shared experiences enhances overall life satisfaction, providing a sense of purpose and belonging.
Physical Well-being through Physical Games
Physical games, ranging from low-intensity activities like walking to more dynamic ones like dancing can positively impact the physical health of senior citizens. As Taylor et al. (2015) suggest, these games can enhance the elderly’s cardiovascular fitness, muscle strength, and flexibility.7/ Furthermore, engaging in physical games can help manage chronic conditions such as arthritis and diabetes, ultimately contributing to a better quality of life (Orr et al., 2006).8/ The release of endorphins during physical activities also aids in stress reduction and mood elevation, promoting mental well-being.
The Role of Game Design
Creating games specifically tailored to the needs and preferences of senior citizens is crucial for maximizing the benefits discussed above. Game designers should consider factors such as cognitive challenges, accessibility, and inclusivity. For instance, designing puzzles with varying difficulty levels accommodates different cognitive abilities, ensuring engagement without frustration. Incorporating intuitive controls in digital games and using larger fonts in board games promotes accessibility for individuals with age-related visual impairments.
Conclusion
The significance of incorporating games into the lives of senior citizens cannot be understated. The cognitive benefits of mental games, the social engagement facilitated by various games, and the positive impact of physical games collectively contribute to improved mental and physical health among individuals aged 50 and above. Game designers and developers have a unique opportunity to create experiences that promote cognitive stimulation, social interaction, and physical activity, ultimately enhancing the overall well-being and quality of life for this demographic. END
NOTES:
- Rekhi, Sachin (2017), Understanding User Psychology: Thinking Like a Game Designer. https://medium.com/@sachinrekhi/understanding-user-psychology-thinking-like-a-game-designer-3aafde81ae2d#:~:text=Game%20design%20always%20starts%20with,enjoyment%20of%20the%20task%20itself.
- Park, D. C., Lodi-Smith, J., Drew, L., Haber, S., Hebrank, A., Bischof, G. N., & Aamodt, W. (2014). The impact of sustained engagement on cognitive function in older adults: The Synapse Project. Psychological Science, 25(1), 103-112.
- 5 Card Games for Seniors, EMOHA, 2022. https://emoha.com/blogs/busy/5-easy-card-games-for-your-elders
- 8 Reasons why you should start playing Mahjong, CUSTOMY MAHJONG, August 24, 2022. https://www.customymahjong.com/post/8-reasons-why-you-should-start-playingmahjong#:~:text=This%20type%20of%20brain%20games,setting%2C%20game%20rule%20and%20calculation.
- Hertzog, C., Kramer, A. F., Wilson, R. S., & Lindenberger, U. (2008). Enrichment effects on adult cognitive development: Can the functional capacity of older adults be preserved and enhanced? Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 9(1), 1-65.
- Seeman, T. E., Bruce, M. L., & McAvay, G. J. (2001). Social network characteristics and onset of ADL disability: MacArthur studies of successful aging. Journals of Gerontology Series B: Psychological Sciences and Social Sciences, 56(5), S281-S290.
- Taylor, A. H., Cable, N. T., Faulkner, G., Hillsdon, M., Narici, M., & Van Der Bij, A. K. (2015). Physical activity and older adults: A review of health benefits and the effectiveness of interventions. Journal of Sports Sciences, 23(8), 703-725.
- Orr, R., Raymond, J., & Fiatarone Singh, M. (2006). Efficacy of progressive resistance training on balance performance in older adults: A systematic review of randomized controlled trials. Sports Medicine, 36(9), 837-851.
