According to researchers at North Carolina State University at Raleigh, older adults who play video games have higher levels of emotional well-being. 140 people belonging to the age group of 63 were asked whether or not they played video games and how often they played (if they did at all).
Based on the responses, the participants were divided into the groups of ‘regular gamers’ who played once a week, ‘occasional gamers’ who played less than once a week, and ‘non-gamers’ who didn’t play video games. The researchers then assessed the participant’s emotional and social well-being with the help of a battery of tests.
The study found out that those participants who played video games, including those who played video games occasionally, had higher levels of well-being when compared to those who never played any games. Non-gamers had more negative emotions and showed higher levels of depression.
“The research published here suggests that there a link between gaming and better well-being and emotional functioning,” lead author of the paper Dr. Jason Allaire, who is an associate professor of psychology at NC State. “We are currently planning studies to determine whether playing digital games actually improves mental health in older adults.”
Source: ScienceWorldReport.com
