Do 60 year olds play video games? A growing and diverse community

According to a 2025 ESA report, over 49% of adults aged 61-79 play video games weekly, demonstrating that the notion of gamers being exclusively young is outdated. This growing and diverse community challenges old stereotypes, proving that more than ever, do 60 year olds play video games?

Quick Summary

Yes, many adults over 60 play video games for reasons like mental stimulation, social connection, and stress relief. The demographic is diverse, and their participation is driven by a desire for entertainment, challenge, and intergenerational bonding, often on mobile devices or consoles.

Key Points

• Prevalence: A significant and growing percentage of adults over 60, often called "silver gamers," regularly play video games on various devices, including mobile phones and consoles.

• Motivations: Older adults play for a variety of reasons, such as mental stimulation, stress reduction, social interaction, and intergenerational bonding.

• Cognitive Benefits: Gaming can help improve cognitive functions like memory, problem-solving skills, and reaction time, potentially delaying age-related cognitive decline.

• Emotional Well-being: The sense of accomplishment and fun from playing games contributes to better mood and can provide an escape from boredom or stress.

• Social Connection: Gaming fosters social bonds, allowing older adults to connect with family and friends both online and offline through multiplayer games.

• Accessibility: The gaming industry is increasingly recognizing and catering to this older demographic by offering more accessible and age-friendly games, though barriers like digital literacy still exist.

The Rise of the Silver Gamer: Who's Playing and Why

Outdated stereotypes about who plays video games are being shattered by a growing and enthusiastic group: older adults. It's no longer a niche activity for the young; gaming is a mainstream form of entertainment and engagement for people in their 60s and beyond. Studies from organizations like AARP and the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) highlight this trend, revealing that a significant portion of older adults are active gamers. This shift is not just a passing fad but a reflection of changing demographics and technology, as many older adults who grew up with early video games like Pong and Pac-Man have continued to embrace the hobby.

Benefits Beyond Entertainment: The Health Advantages of Gaming

The appeal of video games for seniors goes far beyond simple amusement. Numerous studies show that gaming offers significant cognitive, emotional, and social benefits for older adults, contributing to a healthier and more engaged lifestyle.

• Enhanced Cognitive Function: Many games, particularly puzzle, strategy, and logic titles, serve as a mental workout. Research has shown that playing video games can improve memory, attention, problem-solving skills, and task-switching capabilities. For example, studies have found that older adults who play strategically complex games show improved reasoning and processing speed, potentially delaying cognitive decline.
• Improved Motor Skills and Reaction Time: Action and motion-controlled games, such as Wii Sports or Mario Kart, can help older adults maintain and even enhance their hand-eye coordination, balance, and reflexes. For those who are new to gaming, starting with simpler games and progressing to more complex ones can be an excellent way to improve response times gradually.
• Emotional Well-being and Stress Reduction: Gaming provides a valuable outlet for relaxation and stress relief. The challenge and sense of accomplishment from progressing through a game can boost mood and increase life satisfaction. This can be especially important for older adults who may face social isolation, providing a sense of purpose and escape.
• Increased Social Interaction: Contrary to the image of the solitary gamer, video games can be a powerful tool for social connection. Online multiplayer games allow older adults to connect with friends and family, regardless of geographic distance. Intergenerational play is also a significant motivator, with many seniors enjoying the shared experience of gaming with grandchildren. Gaming can foster a strong sense of community, whether online or in person, such as in retirement home esports tournaments.

Comparing Gaming Options for the Older Adult

Gaming Platform	Target User	Pros	Cons
Mobile Devices (Smartphones/Tablets)	Casual, on-the-go gamers; tech-savvy adults	Easy to use, accessible, familiar interfaces, wide variety of free games like Candy Crush Saga and Wordscapes	Smaller screens, can have frequent ads or in-app purchases, less immersive
Game Consoles (Nintendo Switch, Xbox, PlayStation)	Dedicated gamers, those seeking immersive or motion-based play	Larger screen experience, dedicated controls, family-friendly options like Wii Sports, more powerful games	Can be more complex to set up, higher initial cost, requires TV
PC/Laptop	Experienced gamers, strategy fans	Powerful hardware, diverse game library, precise mouse/keyboard controls, customizable settings	Higher learning curve, can be costly, requires a dedicated setup

Popular Game Genres and Examples for Seniors

Many older gamers gravitate towards specific game types that offer the mental and social benefits they seek. Puzzle games are a perennial favorite due to their cognitive-enhancing properties, while casual and word games offer a more relaxed pace. Here are some of the most popular genres and examples for the 60+ crowd:

1. Puzzle and Logic Games: Games like Candy Crush Saga, Tetris, and the New York Times Crossword challenge cognitive skills and offer a quick, satisfying sense of achievement. Their simple mechanics make them accessible for beginners.
2. Word Games: Words with Friends and Wordscapes are popular choices that allow for friendly competition with family and friends, boosting social connection and vocabulary skills.
3. Casual and Simulation Games: Titles like Animal Crossing: New Horizons and Stardew Valley provide a relaxing and engaging experience, focusing on community building and creativity rather than intense action.
4. Exergames and Motion-Controlled Games: The Nintendo Wii console revolutionized gaming for seniors with active games like Wii Sports, which incorporates physical movement. Newer options on the Nintendo Switch, such as Ring Fit Adventure, continue this trend by making exercise fun and interactive.
5. Strategy Games: For more experienced players, titles like Rise of Nations offer deep strategic challenges, which can improve multitasking and memory.

Overcoming Barriers and Embracing the Digital Age

While the trend is promising, some barriers exist for older adults entering the gaming world. These can include a lack of digital literacy, perceptions that games are too complicated, or concerns about in-game purchases and ads. However, many senior-focused programs and associations like Silver Geek are emerging to address these issues, offering workshops and support to help older adults become confident digital citizens. The industry is also recognizing this market, designing more accessible games and hardware. As technology continues to evolve, gaming will become an even more integrated and beneficial part of healthy aging. For more on the health benefits of gaming, see this article by MedBox on Gaming for Seniors: How Video Games Can Benefit Older Adults.

Conclusion: The Future is Gaming

The stereotype of older adults being disconnected from modern technology is fading. With a variety of platforms and games designed for all skill levels, the question isn't whether 60 year olds play video games, but which ones they prefer. Gaming is an enjoyable pastime that offers substantial cognitive, social, and emotional benefits, making it a valuable tool for promoting active and healthy aging. For many, it’s not just a way to pass the time—it's a way to stay sharp, connected, and happy.

Frequently Asked Questions

What kind of video games do 60 year olds play?

Older adults enjoy a wide variety of games, with popular genres including puzzle and logic games like Candy Crush Saga, word games such as Words with Friends, casual games like Animal Crossing, and strategy games. Many also play motion-controlled games on consoles like the Nintendo Switch.

How do video games benefit seniors' brains?

Video games offer numerous cognitive benefits for seniors' brains. They can improve memory, task-switching abilities, and visual short-term memory by providing engaging mental workouts. Research suggests that regular gaming may even help delay cognitive decline.

Are video games a good way for seniors to socialize?

Yes, video games can be an excellent way for seniors to socialize. Multiplayer games, both online and in-person, provide a platform for connecting with friends, family, and new people. This can help combat social isolation and foster intergenerational relationships.

Can playing video games help with stress?

Absolutely. For many older adults, video games are a healthy outlet for stress relief. They can provide a welcome distraction, offer a sense of accomplishment, and boost overall emotional well-being by providing a fun and engaging activity.

Do video games help seniors with physical activity?

Some video games, particularly 'exergames' and motion-controlled games, can promote physical activity. Examples like Wii Sports and Ring Fit Adventure get players moving, which can help improve balance, coordination, and overall physical fitness in a fun, low-impact way.

What's the best way for a 60-year-old to start playing video games?

Starting with accessible platforms like a smartphone or tablet is a great first step. Mobile devices are familiar and offer a huge library of free games in genres like puzzles and word games. Once comfortable, they can explore other options like consoles or PCs.

Do older gamers prefer mobile devices or consoles?

While many older adults utilize mobile devices for gaming due to their accessibility and convenience, console usage has also grown substantially. Research shows that more than half of older gamers play on computers, laptops, and tablets, with many also using consoles like the Nintendo Switch.