Video games can improve cognitive functions. (Picture: Courtesy)
Video games are a great source of entertainment and come in several genres to appeal to the widest audience possible..
Did you know, however, that they have several beneficial effects in seniors? Discover them!
Improved cognitive functions
Recent studies conducted in Montreal have focused on the effects of video games on the brains of seniors. With a magnetic resonance exam before the start of the study and another at its conclusion, the researchers found that playing a logic or puzzle game had a positive effect on the hippocampus, this region of the brain devoted to associative memory, in particular. The subjects being brought to mentally represent a space, such as a map, saw their hippocampus increase in volume compared to those who did not practice any particular activity or who did a different learning. This improvement has the potential to be transferred to everyday life when other occupations require the same type of effort.
Mental and physical benefits
Depending on the type of game, the beneficial effects may vary. In general, better fine motor skills and a faster reaction time are observed in the cerebellum, another region of the brain. In addition to memory and cognitive functions, some games have an impact on the ability to perform several tasks simultaneously, on concentration time, on increasing the practice of physical activity (which comes with its share of benefits!), on critical thinking and emotional health.
Go to a video game or electronics store to build or improve your personal library of games!
