Silver Gamer": Gaming in old age – AND rocking it?

Silver Gamer": Gaming in old age – AND rocking?

Playing: This means fun, ease, and often also sociability. Playing, in itself, is also an innate and natural way for us humans to understand, discover, and enjoy life. Children demonstrate this to us every day and love to move playfully through the world. Thus, playing is essentially something good. But what about computer games? From research, we know that too much time in front of the screen can be harmful to health and can lead to a significant downward spiral. We repeatedly warn our children about the health consequences when we feel that they spend too much time in front of the game console and digital devices.

But is it only the young people? A representative Forsa survey showed a surprising result: Indeed, those over 50 play significantly more on average than, for example, teenage gamers. The Kaufmännische Krankenkasse (KKH), as the commissioner of this survey, published the exact figures: 23 percent of 50-69 year-olds play daily on a PC, TV, tablet, or smartphone. In the age group of 16-29 year-olds, it's only about 15 percent who play daily.

Silver Gamers" they are called – the players over 50 who immerse themselves so passionately in the world of video games. And before we delve into the reasons, consequences, and the pros and cons of gaming, one must realize: the generation over 50 witnessed the birth of PC games live. They were the pioneers in this field. With all the reasons that could be responsible for excessive gaming, one must not forget the emotional aspect: here, a generation is rediscovering their youthful passion – a fascination that possibly cannot be surpassed by anything.

What are the reasons for the frequent video gaming of "Silver Gamers"?

Older people, generally speaking, have time. This available time wants to be filled. At the same time, modern technology like computers, smartphones, and tablets is no longer uncommon even in senior households. Games are often not just for consoles anymore but are easily downloadable as apps and thus immediately available. One thing leads to another – suddenly a colorful, dazzling world of video games opens up. And it is enticing.

In certain circumstances, not only entertaining factors come into play, but a certain addiction potential is also activated. Those who haven't yet found a number one hobby can find a welcome activity in video games. It helps to overcome loneliness and boredom and appeals with adventure and challenge. All well and good. As long as it stays within limits.

The Consequences of Excessive Gaming

The COVID-19 crisis has significantly increased gaming among the older generation. And thus, a dangerous trend is emerging: More and more people are spending their later years "gaming" and getting caught in a sort of addiction spiral. The consequences can be:

• Loss of control over the duration of playing
• Concentration disturbances that primarily occur away from the screen
• Neglecting other existing tasks and obligations
• Disagreements and Aggressive Potential
• Social isolation and neglect of existing relationships with friends, family, and colleagues
• If paid gaming is added, financial problems also threaten

The Advantages of Silver Gaming

These potential consequences are also the disadvantages of excessive gaming. However, there are also many advantages and added values that make gaming among older adults a real opportunity.

1. Exchange between generations

What is exciting is that older players show great interest in digital gaming options—and they also engage with younger players in role-playing, shooter, and strategy games. Particularly noteworthy: with a little help and guidance, many gamers over 50 enjoy being introduced to and participating in their grandchildren's world. The Digital Opportunities Foundation organized an information session for seniors at the height of the "Pokémon GO" hype—with great success. The participants were visibly impressed and wanted to try the game themselves afterward. Thus, bridges are being built between the generations.

2. Enhancement of Brain Performance

A prejudice is that playing computer games per se would simply make the mind and body dull, blunt, and tired. This is shown by studies from the Max Planck Institute for Human Development in Berlin. In the first step, young adults were made to play "Super Mario 64" daily for 30 minutes over two months. The scientists discovered growth in the brain areas responsible for spatial thinking, memory formation, fine motor skills, and strategic planning among the gaming participants. The gamers were therefore more focused and could make decisions faster. In fact, similarly positive effects were also observed in seniors.

3. Therapeutic Effects

The knowledge about the positive effects of screen-based playing has motivated many start-ups to take advantage of these benefits – and to specifically develop games for health prevention and the training of older people. They are called: "Health Games," and their investors are partly our health insurance companies. These games are suitable for computers, smartphones, and tablets and range from mental exercises like Memory, Scrabble, Sudoku, and puzzles to mobility exercises like balance holding, throwing, and rotating. The topic has great health potential and helps in the prevention and treatment of diseases like dementia. Thus, the so-called "DiPas" (Digital Care Applications) are already being used in the care sector. In our Article  we have reported on this in more detail.

Conclusion: Even gaming can rock!

The "Silver Gamers" are a phenomenon of our modern society. They easily surpass the consumption in gaming that we know from younger people and also sometimes have the time to immerse themselves in various types of games. While medium-term dangers such as isolation, loss of reality, and mood disturbances are often seen here, the topic also holds many opportunities. It can just as well promote concentration, cognition, and mobility, and furthermore bring people together. Both sides should be given attention.

by Jana Lorenz

Sources

Video Games: One in Four over 50 Plays Almost Daily – Corona Worsens the Situation. (27.08.2020). Retrieved on January 2, 2023
Silver Gamer: Video Games More Popular Among Seniors . (08/27/2020). Retrieved on December 28, 2022.
Grüling, Birk:  Video Games in Old Age: Why More and More Seniors Are Playing. (n.d.). Retrieved on December 28, 2022.

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