Why and How Can Gaming and Gamification Provide Health Benefits to Elderly?

I explain how both physical and digital games changed my life positively and enhanced my health and relationships in my golden years.

Aug 09, 2024

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Gaming has changed my life in many ways. It has improved my physical health and mental health and my relationships with others. Therefore I decided to write this story with encouragement from my gaming friend

Aiden MC

and my health/longevity mentor

Dr Mehmet Yildiz

Growing up in the 1950s and 1960s, play wasn’t a priority in our strict household. I focused on my science studies to meet my parents’ high expectations. But when I became a parent, I saw how important play was for kids. I played games with my children, and we had so much fun together. Both physical and digital games changed my life in positive ways.

In the 70s, when my kids were growing up, we didn’t have computers or even color TV. Most games were manual. We played chess and other board games. I got hooked on them while playing with my kids and their friends in Australia. Australians love playing with kids.

When my grandchildren arrived in the 1990s, they introduced me to digital gaming. At first, I was hesitant and nervous. I didn’t think I’d enjoy it. But I was wrong. I quickly fell in love with the immersive worlds and challenging puzzles of online and video games.

What is gamification and why does it matter?

As I neared retirement, I discovered gamification. It’s the use of game design elements and principles in non-game situations to engage and motivate us. This involves adding game-like features — like points, rewards, competitions, and challenges — to everyday tasks, making them more engaging and enjoyable.

Gamification is used in many areas, from education and marketing to employee training and healthcare, to encourage positive behaviors and enhance user experience. Even in science, we study its effects. For example, a 2017 review in the Journal of Biomedical Informatics looked at how gamification in e-Health can make mundane activities more fun while also providing motivational and cognitive benefits.

A 2021 study published in the Thinking Skills and Creativity examined the effect of gamification on motivation levels of pre-service teachers in social studies teaching. The qualitative results indicated that they held positive opinions about the lessons i.e., the lessons became more fun. Moreover, the participants stated that gamification added a fun competition to the lesson, and they intended to use it in their own lessons in the future.

Now in my mid-70s, I’m also a proud gamer, as my friends say. I’ve spent decades playing both physical and digital games. Recently, I met a fellow enthusiast here, and we realized we lived in the same city. Our friendship grew into mentorship, where he shared gaming tricks and tales with me over the past year.

This connection with younger gamers, like Aiden, goes beyond just talking about strategies. We even write playful open letters to each other, filled with Australian slang, just for the fun of it and to entertain our readers on this platform.

Benefits of Gaming and Gamification

It wasn’t until my golden years that I truly discovered the benefits of gaming and gamification. As I began to immerse myself more in this world, I noticed significant changes in my life — particularly in my mood and stress levels. Gaming became a source of joy and relaxation, offering several unexpected benefits that I hadn’t anticipated.

For example, physically, gaming improved my hand-eye coordination, reaction time, and overall cognitive function. But more than that, it became a tool for reducing stress and anxiety. Each time I played, I felt a sense of relief that was both calming and invigorating.

Mentally, the impact was even more profound. Gaming lifted my spirits, banished feelings of loneliness, and sharpened my mind. It became my escape and a way to unwind after a long day. The thrill of completing a challenging level or the satisfaction of solving a complex puzzle brought a smile to my face, reminding me of the simple joys in life.

Socially, gaming strengthened my relationships. It became a way to bond with family and friends, bridging generational gaps and creating shared memories. It also opened doors to new friendships, connecting me with people from all over the world. Through gaming, I found a sense of community, a place where I belonged, no matter the distance or differences.

Beyond these general benefits, gaming also taught me valuable life lessons. Perseverance, for instance, became second nature as I learned never to give up, no matter how difficult a level might be. This mindset carried over into other areas of my life, helping me face challenges with determination and grit.

Teamwork, too, took on new meaning. Many games require collaboration, and through them, I learned the importance of working together toward a common goal. The skills I developed — effective communication, problem-solving, and cooperation — proved invaluable in everyday life.

Lastly, gaming reminded me of the importance of having fun. It’s easy to get caught up in competition, but I learned to let go and simply enjoy the process. Letting go is a longevity factor as Dr Yildiz articulated in this story with a case study of 103 year old medical doctor. This approach made gaming more rewarding and fulfilling, enriching my life in ways I never imagined.

In my golden years, gaming has not only kept me young at heart but also provided me with lessons and experiences that have deeply enriched my life.

How can seniors like me benefit from gaming and gamification?

I encourage seniors to explore gaming and gamification to make the most of their golden years. Based on my experience, here are a few tips:

If you’re new to gaming, it’s best to start with simple games that are easy to learn. As you become more comfortable, you can gradually move on to more challenging ones. Remember to take regular breaks, especially if you’re playing for long periods — standing up, stretching, and moving around every 20–30 minutes can help prevent eye strain and fatigue.

Finding a gaming community, whether online or in person, can also be a great way to meet new people, discover new games, and get support from other gamers. Above all, keep in mind that gaming should be about having fun — don’t take it too seriously, just enjoy the experience.

Don’t be afraid to explore different types of games. Whether you prefer puzzles, action, or adventure, there’s something out there for everyone. Find what you enjoy, and you’ll be hooked before you know it. Trust me, you’ll thank me later!

Key Takeaways

Playing games is a joy that never gets old. No matter how many years pass, it’s important to keep the playful spirit alive inside us. Games help keep our minds sharp and our bodies active, like a secret to staying young.

They also give us a chance to connect with younger people, like our kids or grandkids, through shared digital adventures.

As we play, we learn important lessons like how to bounce back from challenges, think strategically, and solve problems — all while having fun.

Games also offer a new way to relax, mixing the calm of unwinding with the excitement of technology. This isn’t just about entertainment; it’s a way to stay healthy and happy, both in mind and body.

Playing games together creates special memories with family and friends. These games offer a little escape, a place where we can find peace and recharge. By staying active and engaged, we make sure that we grow older with grace, keeping the joy of play as our secret to living our best life, no matter our age.

Here is a recent example how I entertained my grandkids which also boosted my brain power creating cognitive reserves. This is the secret to healthspan and lifespan from my experience.

Gaming has brought a fresh spark into my life. It’s helped me stay healthy, feel happier, and connect with others in ways I never expected. If you’re a senior searching for a new way to enjoy your life, I can’t recommend gaming enough.

Looking back, I see that games aren’t just about what happens on the screen or board; they’re about opening up to a more lively, vibrant life and keeping your spirit youthful. I hope you give gaming and gamification a shot to bring more joy and grace into your life as you age.

Our gaming expert, Aiden, shares why he believes gaming can be a healthy, enriching experience for everyone in a story titled Why I Believe Gaming Can Be Healthy If Played Correctly.

If you have kids or grandkids, I’d love to hear how you keep them entertained. I’m always on the lookout for new activities, as I sometimes run out of ideas.

Thank you for reading my story. I wish you a healthy and long life with your loved ones.

I am a retired healthcare scientist in his mid-70s, and I have several grandkids who keep me going and inspire me to write on this platform. I am also the chief editor of the Health and Science publication on Medium.com. As a giveback activity, I volunteered as an editor for Illumination publications, supporting many new writers. I will be happy to read, publish, and promote your stories. You may connect with me on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Quora, where I share stories I read. You may subscribe to my account to get my stories in your inbox when I post. You can also find my distilled content on Subtack: Health Science Research By Dr Mike Broadly.