Gaming Linked To Emotional Well-Being Among Older Players, Study Shows

Time for yet another study that shows that video games aren't so evil after-all. But while most are concerned with the effect that video games have on young children, the one conducted by North Carolina State University examines how they affect older adults.

According to Polygon, the University polled 140 individuals over 63 and asked if they played games, and if so, how often. From that pool, 60 percent claimed that they played games either occasionally or regularly.

The participants were then given tests that assed their social functions and overall emotional wellness. According to the results, those who played games both occasionally and regularly reported a greater sense of emotional well-being.

Meanwhile, those who did not play games had a higher rate of negative emotions and depression. One possible conclusion is that gaming can have a positive effect as people grow older.

Obviously more research needs to be conducted to make an authoritative assement, but there is little doubt that such studies will take place. Especially as more and more people play games, plus as more and more game players grow older.

The benefits of such a revelation could have profound effects.  At the moment, some psychiatrists have been studying and effectively using video games to treat trauma. Not just physical but mental.

But again, this has mostly been aimed at young children. So knowing that games can help with the mental well being of full grown adults could help revolutionaize medial landscape.

Depression amongst the elderly is a major issue, one that will dramatically increase in years to come, as the “baby boomer” generation hit their twilight years.