Older Adults Who Play Video Games: Who Are They and How Do They Fare?
Author Information
Author(s): Sonnega Amanda, Sonnega John
Primary Institution: University of Michigan
Hypothesis
Gaming for leisure provides psychosocial benefits to older adults.
Conclusion
Older adults who play video games tend to be younger and more likely to be male, and they show slightly higher cognitive scores compared to non-gamers.
Supporting Evidence
- Older adults engage in gaming less than younger adults but play with similar frequency.
- Gamers are more likely to be male (64%).
- Gamers are younger than non-gamers (mean age 62 vs. 74 years).
- No significant difference in depressive symptoms between gamers and non-gamers.
- Gamers have slightly higher cognitive scores longitudinally.
Takeaway
This study looks at older adults who play video games and finds that they are usually younger and more often male, and they might think better than those who don't play.
Methodology
Data from the Health and Retirement Study (HRS) was used to analyze the demographics and outcomes of older adults who play video games.
Participant Demographics
Participants were adults over age 50, with a mean age of gamers at 62 years and non-gamers at 74 years.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.02
Statistical Significance
p<0.01
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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