You may believe that games are only for the young. Or you may believe that adults who still play them are delaying growing up. So often, the mention of gaming is met with a sigh and an eye roll… However, gaming is no longer the domain of the young: seniors (“silver surfers”) are becoming increasingly attracted to the online world, and with that comes a rise in gaming among older generations. Moreover, games are helping seniors throughout Australia. The stereotypes of who a gamer is and what they look like are being flipped, and we are thrilled to hear it.
The Interactive Games & Entertainment Association (IGEA) found that almost half Australians aged 65-and-over use video games to keep their mind active. A 2021 study by Newzoo found that 42% of respondents aged 56-65 have played games on their PC, console, or mobile device in the last six months.
Grandparents are connecting with grandkids on Roblox, a platform that enables play across immersive, user-generated 3D worlds, in which people can connect with friends and family all over the world. Elderly siblings are connecting to play online Scrabble. Other silver surfers are exploring fun and exercise through games such as Pokémon Go.
During the pandemic – and particularly during lockdowns – many of us flocked to online games to make and feel connection with the outside world. You may have heard about the Animal Crossing obsession (you may have been one of its devotees!)? However, there’s no denying that the game, along with others, alleviated many people’s loneliness and isolation during a very difficult time for mental wellbeing. Through playing the game, people got to experience a life outside, even if it was virtual. They got to fish and swim, visit neighbours, and – perhaps most importantly – jump on a plane and connect with real people across the world.
This article from The Conversation show us that, to “age well”, we should look at: positivity, purpose, respect, social connection, keeping up in the changing world, financial/personal security, health autonomy and mobility. Most of these factors can be addressed – at least to some extent – through gaming.
Clearly, we need to rethink what we envision when we hear the word “gamer, and to educate ourselves on the benefits gaming can have, particularly the positive effect it can have in empowering the elderly and enabling us all to age well.
In 2020, the World Health Organisation (WHO) acknowledged the power of games to help people take care of their mental health by “reducing stress, supporting loved ones, and fostering and maintaining social contacts.” The WHO had previously come across as being “anti-game”, classifying video game addiction as an official mental health disorder. While overuse remains a concern, the WHO now acknowledges that video games can connect people, thereby relieving conditions such as loneliness.
We encourage you, too, to rethink what a gamer is, to remove any judgement you may have placed on that word, and to no longer consider that playing a game is a waste of time… and to maybe even give it a go.