Rise of the OAG (old-age gamer!): 85% of over-65s now play video games at least ... trends now

Rise of the OAG (old-age gamer!): 85% of over-65s now play video games at least ... trends now
Rise of the OAG (old-age gamer!): 85% of over-65s now play video games at least ... trends now

Rise of the OAG (old-age gamer!): 85% of over-65s now play video games at least ... trends now

Rise of the OAG (old-age gamer!): 85% of over-65s now play video games at least once a WEEK, report claims Samsung UK surveyed 1,000 over-65s who are interested in gaming The majority played games weekly, with 36 per cent playing every day Almost a fifth said they picked it up during the pandemic, and haven't stopped

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It's not just the teenagers that have to be told to get off the Xbox for dinner anymore - and this new gaming generation may need you to shout even louder.

New research has shown that 85 per cent of people over 65 play video games at least once a week, while 36 per cent play every day.

Many of these grandparent gamers say that they first picked up the console during the COVID-19 lockdowns, and now use them regularly to keep their mind active.

Studies have shown that games can boost the brainpower of the elderly and stave off dementia.

New research has shown that 85 per cent of people over 65 play video games at least once a week, and 36 per cent of them play every day (stock image)

New research has shown that 85 per cent of people over 65 play video games at least once a week, and 36 per cent of them play every day (stock image)

PLAYING VIDEO GAMES CAN IMPROVE YOUR READING SKILLS

Researchers from the University of Saskatchewan say that gaming may improve peripheral attention skills, which are essential for reading ability.

Many video games involve the player reacting to objects placed peripherally, rather than in the centre of the screen.

The team conducted a study that tested the reading ability of a group of people with different levels of experience playing video games.

The results revealed that participants who had played games with more peripheral objects were better at reading both known words and fake words they had to 'sound out'.

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According to the new research, 42 per cent of elderly gamers do so to bond and spend time with family members of all ages.

While 51 per cent like to play by themselves, 42 per cent enjoy playing with - or against - their children or grandchildren, and 44 per cent with their partner.

This is especially the case during the winter when many seniors find it more difficult to leave the house and meet up face-to-face.

But they aren't just motivated by their relatives, as a quarter revealed they play to keep their brain engaged.

Certain brain training games have been proven to help elderly people perform better at everyday tasks and improve their driving.

Over a fifth say that a session on the PlayStation or Xbox helps boost their mood, while 23 per cent find it 'calming' as it 'takes their mind off the busy world'.

The research was conducted by Samsung UK, who surveyed 1,000 UK adults aged 65 and over who either have played, or would be interested in playing, computer or video games.

Almost a fifth of gamers surveyed said that they picked up the

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