The fastest growing community among online gamers: senior citizens

While video games are generally associated with younger people, older gamers make up a significant portion of the industry’s consumers. In a 2016 study of the American Association of Retired Persons and the Entertainment Software Association, 38 percent of Americans aged 50 and older said they play video games. Half of the respondents in the 2016 study who said they play online games said they play more online games now than they did five years ago.

“We’re seeing an increase overall,” Alison Bryant, senior vice president of research for AARP, said of Americans 50 and older who play video games. Bryant declined to give updated numbers, citing a study AARP will release on the topic this year.

There is scientific evidence that some forms of cognitive stimulation may delay or slow the onset of degenerative neurological diseases, such as Alzheimer’s or other forms of dementia.

With their complex controls and fast pace, video games can provide a mental workout for seniors, experts say.

via nbcnews