According to a new survey of 3135 individuals, Australians are using video games daily to deal with health issues such as stress and dementia.
The Digital Australia report produced by Bond University and the Interactive Games and Entertainment Association and has found that people of all ages are turning to video games to keep their mind active. The average of the those surveyed was 34, and of those involved aged 65 and over, 43 per cent said they played video games.
Around 90 per cent of survey respondents believed video games could increase mental stimulation, while 80 per cent thought it could fight dementia and 59 per cent said it helped them to manage pain.
“Even simple games like Words With Friends or Scrabble on your mobile phone provide the perception that you are engaging and are ‘exercising’ your brain – which neuroscience suggests is an effective mechanism to help mitigate mental health-related conditions,” said Dr Brett Wilkinson of Flinders University.
The survey revealed that the most quoted reason for respondents aged 50 to play video games was to pass time and to keep their minds active. Lesser contributing factors were to have fun, relax and be challenged.
Do you play video games? If so, what is your motivation? Do you believe that video games are improving your mind and lowering your stress levels?
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