Video Games Keep You Sharp as You Age!

Can playing video games keep you sharp as you age?

As we age, we may start to notice that our memory isn’t what it used to be. We forget where we put our keys, or maybe even our own kids and families’ names. However, what if I told you that there may be a fun way to help keep your mind sharp? Video Games. Now, I know what you’re thinking. “Video games? What a waste of time!” There is always what we think and what is. If we are going to have changes in our brain function as we age, we must try new things. There have been numerous studies done that suggest playing video games can have a positive impact on cognitive function, especially as we age.

Video games require us to use our brains in a multitude of ways. We need to be able to process information quickly, make decisions on the fly, and react to changes in the game.  There are varying degrees of eye coordination with brain processing that requires coordinating movement with different body parts at the same time.  This helps to keep our minds sharp and can even improve our reaction times.  A study conducted by the University of Iowa found that playing video games can lead to improvements in cognitive performance. The study looked at a group of adults aged 50 and older who played a variety of video games for 10 hours over the course of five to eight weeks. The researchers found that the participants showed improvements in several cognitive areas, including working memory, processing speed, and cognitive flexibility.

It’s not just about improving your cognitive function. Playing video games can also be a great way to stay socially connected, which is important for our overall well-being. Many video games these days can be played online with friends and family, which can help us to stay connected even if we can’t see each other in person.  It may be a way for some to relax, taking a break from their everyday life and enjoying some time with friends. It’s important to remember that playing video games should be done in moderation. Just like anything else, too much of a good thing can have negative consequences. But if you’re looking for a fun way to help keep your mind sharp, playing video games can be a great option.

So, what are the best video games to play to keep your mind sharp? Well, that really depends on your personal interests, age and what is available to you. Basic puzzle games like Sudoku and Tetris can be great for improving cognitive function, while strategy games like the older Civilization and Age of Empires can help to improve decision-making skills.  If you’re looking for a fun way to stay active while also improving your cognitive function, you might want to try some of the new virtual reality games that are available. These games require you to move around and engage with the virtual world (VR), which can be a great way to get some exercise while also keeping your mind sharp.  You can dive into the world of VR and take a vacation anywhere in the world with just a little help.

Playing a video game can be a great way to help keep your mind sharp as you age. This can be important especially if you have a family history of cognitive decline later on in life. Not only do they require us to use our brains in a multitude of ways, but they can also be a fun way to stay socially connected. So, the next time someone tells you that video games are just a waste of time, you can tell them that you are actually doing something good for your brain!

— This article is written by Aaron Workman, DC, one of the members of Chambers Medical Group’s team of car accident chiropractors who offer a variety of treatments and therapies ranging from diagnostic testing to various soft tissue therapies for car accidents and injuries in Kentucky.

Have you been in a car accident? If you or somebody you know has been in a car accident, be sure that you seek medical attention from a car accident doctor or car accident chiropractor to treat your injuries. Visit Chambers Medical Group  to receive world-class medical treatment for your injuries.

Chambers Medical Group has car accident medical clinics in the following locations:

• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Tampa
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Plant City
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Brandon
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Lakeland
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Sarasota
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Louisville
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Lexington
• Car Accident Medical Clinic in Florence