Could video games be used to exercise the brains of the elderly?
As an occupational therapist, I wish video games were marketed more toward the elderly or that family members would recommend and encourage video game play to their elder family members. Keeping the brain active in old age is VERY important and often difficult if you don’t have the proper motivation. I don’t have a lot of experience with different video game systems, but I know that Nintendo http://www.nintendo.com/ (both with the Wii and the DS) has done a great job of designing games for all ages, including games that the elderly (and anyone) can use to exercise their brains. I’ve played Brain Age which includes many brain exercise puzzles and keeps track of your progress. They also have Brain Age 2, Big Brain Academy, Brain Assist, Brain Boost, Brain Challenge, Brain Voyage, and Ultimate Brain Games. I’m sure there are others, too. Here’s a link to Brain Age: http://www.nintendo.com/games/detail/Y9QLGBWxkmRRzsQEQtvqGqZ63_CjS_9F The Nintendo DS is a handheld gaming system and the Wii
