The New York Times recently explored the trend of developers attempting to keep older adults entertained, engaged and mentally stimulated through the use of technology. Video games, once derided as a mere distraction for children, have been reinvented as a strategy to stave off some of the challenges that come with aging.
This development has arrived with its fair share of controversy. Many of the games offered today that claim to boost memory or improve critical thinking lack empirical evidence to back up these statements. However, that doesn't mean that the games hold no benefits at all.
Adam Gazzaley, a San Francisco-based scientist and video game developer, argues that with the right approach, video games can hold true benefits for staving off aging's affects on the memory.
Gazzaley has been working on developing video-game solutions to help keep older adults sharp since the field of neuroplasticity was first recognized almost two decades ago. His games have been independently proven to have positive effects on brain activity in older adults. NeuroRacer, one of his earlier projects, was proven to "improve significantly" players' working memory and ability to sustain attention.
Staying active and engaged is an important element of an older adult's decision to pursue aging in place. Independa's caregiving solutions provide a host of features that help stave off social isolation and promote wellness, providing peace of mind for both caregivers and care recipients.
Care recipients enjoy intuitively designed cloud-based software that requires no prior technical knowledge or involved training to operate. Games, video chat, message sharing, medication reminders and more can all be accessed effortlessly via an LG television.
