Here's some welcome news: video games are actually good for your brain. And in Japan, older people are increasingly picking the games up to keep their brains sharp.
Video game makers are responding to the trend with new games specifically designed to enhance and sustain mental acuity. The games apparently delay the onset of dimentia. Millions of game have already been sold in Japan and they are now being launched in Europe.
In Tokyo, classes are held for people over the age of 40, to teach them how to use gaming systems. But the students aren't playing Halo 2. They're using new games designed to train them in math, science and logic. They also play golf games and use drumming machines to train hand-eye coordination.
"With our low birth rate," said Namco spokesman Yoshiaki Kawamura. "it's obvious we're going to be dominated by people over the age of 60 from now on. They want to have fun in their lives.
"The computer game industry for the elderly is a growing market for us."
Help the Aged: Video Games Keep Brains Young
Help The Aged: Video Games Keep Brains Young
Trend Themes
1. Video Game Brain Training - Developing new games specifically designed to enhance and sustain mental acuity is a disruptive innovation opportunity in the video game industry.
2. Gaming for Cognitive Health - The increasing use of video games as a tool to delay the onset of dementia presents a disruptive innovation opportunity in the healthcare industry.
3. Gaming for Active Aging - Creating games that promote physical activity and hand-eye coordination for older adults is a disruptive innovation opportunity in the fitness and wellness industry.
Industry Implications
1. Video Game Industry - The video game industry has the opportunity to tap into a growing market of older adults seeking brain-stimulating games.
2. Healthcare Industry - The healthcare industry can explore the use of video games as a preventive measure for cognitive decline in elderly populations.
3. Fitness and Wellness Industry - The fitness and wellness industry can incorporate video games as a means to promote physical activity and coordination among older adults.