If you answered no to that question, you’ll definitely want to continue reading about the latest findings of the Digital Australia Report 2016 (DA16).
The sixth study looking into the state of the video and digital gaming industry in Australia shows games-based technology is being used for more than entertainment. In fact, the majority of Australians believe gaming will improve their thinking skills and help them to fight dementia as they grow older.
DA16, commission by the industry’s peak body, was based on a survey of 1,274 Australian households consisting of over 3,000 individuals including an estimated 1,000 people aged over 50. Interestingly, this age group is actually the fastest growing cohort new to games.
When asked about video games for health and positive ageing, the following answers surfaced:
• 89 per cent said it improved their thinking skills.
• 76 per cent said they thought games were good for mental stimulation.
• 61 per cent believed it could help to fight dementia.
Dr Jeff Brand, a professor at Bond University and lead author of the report had this to say to Technology Review:“
There is no evidence that (any of this) actually occurs but it is evidence that they feel that it is worth trying different solutions to ongoing and growing problems with an ageing population.
”Meanwhile, in terms of positive ageing, participants reported the following benefits:
• Quality of life from playing video games encouraging open-mindedness (55 per cent).
• Helping maintain social connections (55 per cent).Optimism (47 per cent).
• You can read more about the findings and the study itself here.