Autumn Years Fall 2024

TECHNOLOGY TRENDS

When you picture someone staring intently at a screen, video controller in hand, that someone is usually young. However, that stereotype is fading these days as the ranks of video game enthusiasts 55 and older have grown, according to AARP research, by more than 30 percent. In addition, research conducted by the market research firm, Insider Intelligence, found that approximately 25 percent of all adults 55 and older play games digitally through the internet.

S o why the growing interest in playing video games among seniors? Various studies indicate that being a video gamer, whether an occasional one or a fre quent one, can provide both physical and mental health benefits (including a lessen ing of anxiety and bouts of depression), a more active social life and may even im prove cognitive abilities. Here is a sampling of video games that may help address these reasons for picking up a controller—or they may simply lead to having some good old fashioned fun.

NEURORACER NeuroRacer is a video game designed by a team

SUPER MARIO 3D WORLD Most everyone is familiar with Super Mario, a video game

of researchers at the University of Cali fornia, San Francisco, as a way of helping sharpen memory and attention to details. A study of 60- to 85-year-olds showed that the multitasking nature of the game caused improvements in tasks outside of the game involving working memory and sustained attention. The game is designed as a driving simulator. It involves driving a vehicle down windy roads and pushing buttons as signs begin to appear and disappear on part of the video screen. Some signs are important messages connected to the game, while others are unrelated. The players learn to pay attention to the important signs and ignore the others.

franchise that has been around since 1985. This game does not require expert skills to complete but does provide challenging and fun activities that can improve coordination and reaction speed. And with its four-player option it can boost social connections as friends (new and old) perform as Mario, Luigi, Princess Peach and Toad. Each character has his or her own unique characteristics, and people can play cooperatively or competi tively. Also, given the universal popularity of Mario and his pals, here is an opportunity to play with grandchildren wherever they live. emotions and a feeling of well-being. As players fly through the air, carrying colorful flower petals over varied countryside and lush landscapes, they can witness how the flowers spring to life. Players control the wind, blow ing a flower petal using the movement of the game controller. Flying close to other flowers results in the player’s petal being followed by other flower petals. Bottom line, the game is not designed to challenge players; that would undermine its goal of creating a tranquil environment and the pleasure of watching the scenery below. It is, as one user noted, an interactive piece of art. FLOWER Flower was created to be a relaxing, stress-free game designed to arouse positive

RING FIT ADVENTURE

Here is a video game that is also a workout. Ring Fit Adventure is a role-playing game where player move ments and battle actions are

RISE OF NATIONS

based on performing a range of different exercises that are required to progress in the game. Shown to improve mobility especially in older gamers, it offers a range of different exercise options, from hula hooping to jogging in place. In addition to the adventure mode, the game includes a general fitness routine mode that allows a player to perform the exercises, assisted by the game, but without all the elements of an actual competition. It also has sev eral mini-games based on certain exercises that can be used by individual players to challenge themselves or by multiple players, each taking a turn to beat the others.

Strategy games offer play ers the opportunity to think through steps that lead to success and to quickly make decisions—both actions that

can reinforce cognitive ability. Rise of Na tions is a real-time strategy game (meaning participants play simultaneously and not by taking turns to play) where you create new cities, improve city infrastructures and ex pand national borders. Players gain points by conquering foes through military might, cornering the market on key commodities and consolidating power under one rule— wheeling and dealing across time with history’s many cultures.

52 AUTUMN YEARS I FALL 2024