Seniors who play video games less likely to be depressed
New research out of North Carolina State University
suggests a link between seniors who play video games and a healthier sense of
well-being.
As reported this week in the journal Computers in Human
Behavior, researchers surveyed 140 people ages 63 and older (the group's
average age was 77) and placed them into one of three categories: regular
gamers (at least once a week), occasional gamers (less than once a week), and
non-gamers.
It turns out that those who were regular or occasional
gamers reported higher levels of well-being and social functioning, while
non-gamers reported higher levels of depression and negativity.
The study is small and the results only demonstrate
correlation; it could be that those who elect to play video games are, for
instance, healthier and more social to begin with than their non-playing
counterparts. Also, it could be their interaction with friends or family
members as they play video games, not the gaming itself, that boosts their
overall mood.
"The research published here suggests that there's a
link between gaming and better well-being and emotional functioning," says
Dr. Jason Allaire, lead author of the paper, in a news release. "We are
currently planning studies to determine whether playing digital games actually
improves mental health in older adults."
The research was funded by the National Science
Foundation.
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