Researchers have revealed that old adults can live not only longer but also healthy and active by playing video games.
The
report observed that people are living longer, but not necessarily
living healthier and now they hope to accomplish that goal by using
video games to promote fitness and encouraging older adults to get
active.
Jennifer Margrett, an associate
professor of human development and family studies and director of the
gerontology program said that their program is focused on whole-person
wellness, and they want to include that socialization aspect with the
physical activity.
Margrett said that by
socializing and doing interactive games, older adults are also
exercising their brains, building relationships, and so it helps in more
than one way.
High school and college-age
trainers led the eight-week exergaming program that combines
strength-building exercises with video games, like tennis or bowling.
The trainers teach older adults, who may be intimidated by the
technology, how to use the gaming systems so they can continue with the
program after the initial eight weeks.
Researchers
measured physical activity levels before and after the eight-week
fitness program. Nearly half of the participants- all 60 years of age or
older - initially described themselves as inactive. But by the end of
the program, 52 percent of those inactive adults had increased their
activity levels.
The study is published in the Journal of Aging and Physical Activity.
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