Taking over the world improves elderly brains

 

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Posted on 22 Dec 2008 at 16:50

Older adults could benefit from playing video games, according to new research. A recent study found that adults in their 60s and 70s can improve their brain's cognitive function by playing strategy based video games.

As part of the research, 40 men and women aged 60 to 79 played "Rise of Nations" regularly for a month. The game involves players devising strategies to take over the world. As a result of playing the game, the participants showed gains in memory, reasoning and the ability to multi-task.

The findings suggest that games which keep players alert and engrossed could help older adults keep their brains sharp.

Dr. Arthur Kramer, professor of psychology at the University of Illinois, who headed the research admitted that it is important not to overstate the findings, as this is the first study to make such observations.

However, he claims the results are "very promising," as they suggest that strategy-based videogames can enhance reasoning, memory and other cognitive abilities that often decline with age.

The 40 test participants were randomly assigned to either the video-game group or a comparison group that received no training in the game. Over the course of a month, the gamer group spent about 23 hours playing Rise of Nations.

The game calls on players to carry out a complex set of tasks, including devising military strategy, building cities, managing economies and feeding people.
Study participants who trained in the game ended up improving their scores in several areas of a battery of cognitive tests.

The findings are in line with research suggesting that older adults can improve their cognitive health by staying both physically active and mentally active through activities such as reading, writing or other hobbies.

"Playing videogames with their grandkids would also be a great idea."

Author: Dawinderpal Sahota