How Can Playing 3D Video Games Benefit Aging Adults?

Author

Assisting Hands Home Care Naples

For more information about the author, click to view their website: Assisting Hands Home Care Naples

Posted on

Aug 04, 2024

Book/Edition

Florida - Southwest

share-this
Share This

Video games, especially the 3D variety, employ cutting-edge technology to make the games as realistic as possible. Though young people are often the first ones to use new technology, 3D video games are actually a great entertainment source for seniors. Here’s how your aging loved one can benefit from these games. 

 Increases Memory

Studies show 3D video games can boost seniors’ memory. A team of researchers from the University of California, Irvine (UCI) published a study in Nature: International Weekly Journal of Science that showed 3D games stimulate brain wave activity and gradually boost memory formation. With this in mind, seniors with dementia may benefit from playing 3D games. 

Aging in place can present a few challenges for seniors living with dementia. However, they can still live independently at home with the help of professional dementia care. Naples families can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide their elderly loved ones with mental and social stimulation, timely medication reminders, assistance with meal prep, and much more. Our caregivers are available around the clock to help your loved one live a happier and healthier life.

 Boosts Multitasking Skills

As people age, their ability to multitask decreases and makes it difficult to focus on more than one thing at a time. The UCI study also observed that 3D games increase the ability to multitask. In addition to exhibiting enhanced multitasking abilities while playing the games, the research participants were also better able to multitask while performing normal daily functions. 

Enhances Socialization

People from different generations often have difficulty finding shared hobbies. Seniors who play 3D video games gain the ability to socialize and have fun with their grandchildren and younger friends. By keeping up with the latest trends in video games, seniors gain a valuable form of entertainment that keeps them in the generational loop. 

A home caregiver can also serve as a wonderful source of socialization for your parent. Not every senior has the same care needs, which means they don’t all need the same type of in-home care. You can rely on Assisting Hands Home Care to provide an individualized care plan to meet your elderly loved one’s unique care needs. Our caregivers help seniors focus on healthy lifestyle habits, such as eating nutritious foods, exercising regularly, and maintaining strong social ties, and we offer mentally stimulating activities that can boost cognitive health and delay the onset of dementia.

 Encourages Fitness

Many gaming systems, such as Wii and Xbox, use games that focus on increasing fitness. By playing 3D video games for fitness, seniors can enjoy low-impact exercise at home. These games can be played indoors and set to different levels of difficulty, making them ideal for seniors who are unable to leave their homes. 

 Increases Coordination

3D video games require far more spatial reasoning than regular games. A study by Gregory Clemenson for The Journal of Neuroscience linked 3D video games to an increase in overall coordination and reflex skills, which are crucial for preventing dangerous accidents and falls among seniors. 

Seniors require cognitive stimulation and physical activity to maintain optimal brain function during their golden years. The type of home care Naples seniors need can vary. Some need assistance a few hours a day, while others require more extensive around-the-clock assistance. At Assisting Hands Home Care, we tailor our care plans based on each senior’s individual care needs, and the plans can be adjusted at any time. We are a trusted provider of respite and 24-hour care, and we also offer specialized Alzheimer’s, dementia, Parkinson’s, and stroke care for seniors. Trust Assisting Hands Home Care to provide high-quality compassionate professional care for your loved one. Call one of our friendly Care Managers today

Other Articles You May Like

Hospice Provides Post-Discharge Support That Sepsis Patients Need

By Faith Protsman, MD, Regional Medical Director, VITAS HealthcareTwo recent studies highlight how sepsis impact often extends well beyond the acute event that led to a patients hospitalization. The studies emphasize two particular points that should inform physicians and clinicians as they consider referring these patients to specialized care: Medicare patient data gathered between 2012-2017 shows that sepsis patients face considerably poorer health outcomes following hospital discharge when compared to non-sepsis patients, including elevated risk for death and increased use of advanced healthcare services. Sepsis survivors exhibit strong indicators of persistent inflammation and immunosuppression for up to a year after hospital discharge, increasing their risk of readmission or death. Both studies indicate a significantly elevated risk of death among sepsis patients after they have been discharged and ostensibly cured. Of course, sepsis patientsparticularly those of the Medicare cohort, who are largely of advanced agerarely leave the hospital in better condition than they entered.The Yende study, in particular, shows that neuroendocrine and inflammatory responses to sepsis can continue long after the patient survives a septic episode. For patients with advanced or chronic diseasesas was the case with nearly 78% of participants in the studythese biomarkers are associated with decline.Post-sepsis Discharge: A Critical JunctureIn many cases, these individuals life expectancies upon discharge will be less than six months. This is a critical juncture: While comfort-focused hospice care could provide an ideal source of support for the eligible patient, their family, and their caregiver(s), most sepsis patients are simply sent home without even a discussion about palliative end-of-life care and its benefits.Frankly, such an oversight is a disservice to everyone involved. The sepsis patient is left with physical and/or cognitive dysfunction, often without significant options for symptom management. Their partner or family will either need to assume caregiving duties or turn to costly private services. And the physician and hospital staff will likely see the patient again following another acute event, a readmission that impacts performance scores, strains resources, and unnecessarily fills beds.By no means do I intend to lay the blame for these unfortunate circumstances on physicians. Timely hospice referrals require ongoing education about end-of-life care, and open, ongoing communication between hospice providers and referral sources.More Help: How to Talk About Hospice Care >Those of us in hospice are working hard to bridge the gap, but even as our healthcare system transitions to a value-based model, the mentality of fee-for-service still permeates our nations acute-care facilities, and many hospitalists see a discharge home as a success.Hospice: A New Way Of Judging SuccessIn hospice, we judge our successes on the patients quality of life and the fulfillment of their goals and wishes near lifes end. Usually, that means going home with 24/7 support from an interdisciplinary hospice team. Whether home is a traditional residence, an assisted living facility, or nursing home, the hospice team will assist caregivers (and/or facility staff) with direct clinical care and education, integrative services, bereavement support, and delivery of medication, equipment, and supplies.In other cases, improving quality of life means remaining in a general inpatient setting with hospice support, taking the burden off hospital staff until the patient is able to transition home or until the patient dies. Hospice offers complex modalities in any setting, so patients who would otherwise be confined to an ICU can usually return home to be among loved ones.With support from hospice, a sepsis patient and their family are more likely to report higher satisfaction of care and greater quality of life. The patients emotional and spiritual needs can be met alongside their physical needs, thanks to care from chaplains, social workers, music and massage therapists, and other integrative specialists. Finally, the patient is more likely to die at home, surrounded by loved ones, rather than in the hospital.Because sepsis is most common in patients with advanced or chronic diseases that indicate hospice eligibility, acute incidences of sepsis should always trigger a hospice eligibility assessment. We owe it to our patients, their loved ones, and our colleagues in healthcare, all of whom can benefit from the support that timely end-of-life care offers. 

Making Daily Living Easier: Senior Home Organization Done with Love

As life evolves, so do our needs at home. For seniors, navigating daily life in a cluttered or disorganized space can be overwhelming and even unsafe. Creating a home environment that is both functional and nurturing is an act of love and respect. At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we specialize in transforming homes into spaces that prioritize comfort, safety, and joy. With thoughtful adjustments and a touch of care, senior home organization becomes a gateway to easier living and peace of mind.The Impact of Thoughtful Home Organization on SeniorsA well-organized home offers far more than convenience. It promotes safety, independence, and emotional well-being, ensuring seniors feel confident and comfortable in their surroundings.Why Senior Home Organization Matters:Enhances SafetyReducing clutter and organizing essentials minimizes risks like trips and falls, which are common in senior households.Boosts IndependenceAn organized home allows seniors to find and access what they need without assistance, fostering a sense of autonomy.Reduces StressA tidy, harmonious space alleviates feelings of overwhelm and creates a calming atmosphere.Preserves MemoriesThoughtfully arranging sentimental items honors cherished memories while maintaining an orderly space.Practical Considerations:Conduct a home walkthrough to identify problem areas that need decluttering or reorganizing.Include seniors in the decision-making process to ensure the space aligns with their preferences and habits.Focus on high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathrooms, and living rooms where safety and accessibility are paramount.Tips for Senior Home Organization with Love and CareCreating a senior-friendly home doesnt require drastic changes. With a compassionate approach and practical strategies, even small adjustments can make a big difference.Tips for Organizing with Love:Declutter with CompassionWork alongside the senior to sort through belongings. Encourage them to share stories about sentimental items, and help them decide what to keep, donate, or discard.Prioritize AccessibilityArrange frequently used items at waist level to avoid bending or reaching. Use open shelving or labeled containers for easy access.Incorporate Safety FeaturesAdd non-slip mats in bathrooms, secure loose rugs, and ensure lighting is bright and consistent throughout the home.Create Functional ZonesDesignate specific areas for activities like reading, crafting, or relaxing. Keep supplies for each activity neatly organized within reach.Use Simple SystemsImplement straightforward organizational tools such as color-coded bins or daily planners to keep track of medications, appointments, and important documents.A Loving Touch:Personalize the space with photos, favorite colors, and cozy elements like soft throws or pillows.Display sentimental items in a way thats both organized and meaningful, such as a memory shelf or photo collage.Organizing a seniors home is about more than tidinessits about creating a space that supports their well-being and celebrates their life. At A Call to Order Professional Organizers, we approach every project with empathy and a commitment to making daily living easier for seniors and their families. By combining practical solutions with a heartfelt touch, we turn homes into havens where seniors can thrive. Lets make 2025 a year of love, care, and beautifully organized spaces for the ones who matter most.

Where Can You Find Memory Support?

1. Memory Care Assisted Living CommunitiesMemory care is a specialized form of assisted living that focuses on residents with memory-related challenges. These communities offer: Secured Environments: Prevent wandering and ensure safety. Trained Staff: Professionals experienced in dementia care. Structured Activities: Programs designed to promote cognitive function and social engagement. Memory care facilities are ideal for individuals who need daily assistance and a structured routine. 2. Skilled Nursing Facilities with Memory CareFor individuals requiring medical supervision in addition to memory care, skilled nursing facilities often provide: 24/7 Medical Assistance: Nurses and doctors available to manage complex health conditions. Specialized Therapies: Physical, occupational, and speech therapies tailored to residents with memory loss. Comprehensive Care Plans: Addressing both cognitive and physical health needs. These facilities cater to residents with advanced dementia or coexisting medical conditions. 4. Adult Day Care CentersAdult day care centers offering memory care services provide daytime support for individuals while allowing them to return home in the evening. Key benefits include: Respite for Family Caregivers: Time for caregivers to rest or focus on other responsibilities. Engaging Activities: Socialization opportunities, games, and exercises tailored to memory care needs. Professional Oversight: Ensuring safety and well-being during the day. This option is ideal for families who want to balance professional care with at-home living. 5. In-Home Memory Support ServiceFor those who prefer to remain in their own homes, memory support can be brought directly to the individual. In-home services may include: Caregiver Assistance: Help with daily tasks, such as bathing, dressing, and meal preparation. Cognitive Engagement: Memory exercises and stimulating activities provided by trained professionals. Safety Modifications: Recommendations for making the home safer for individuals with dementia. In-home support allows for familiar surroundings while ensuring proper care. 6. Community and Nonprofit OrganizationsMany local organizations and nonprofits offer memory support programs, including: Support Groups: Providing emotional and practical guidance for families and caregivers. Educational Workshops: Teaching coping strategies and care techniques. Day Programs: Offering structured activities for individuals with memory challenges. These services are often more affordable and widely accessible.

Local Services By This Author

Assisting Hands -- Naples

Home Health 10641 Airport-Pulling Road, Naples, Florida, 34109

Assisting Hands Home Care Naples provides award-winning home care services, ensuring the wellbeing of elderly family members while managing daily responsibilities. Our experienced team of caregivers undergoes rigorous training, embodying love, dignity, compassion, and respect in every interaction. We offer personalized care plans addressing mobility issues and isolation, reflecting our commitment to exceptional home care.Certified and accredited, Assisting Hands Home Care Naples emphasizes transparency, integrity, and a client-centric focus. Our services enhance quality of life for seniors, supported by testimonials showcasing tangible benefits. Trust us to provide the support and care your loved ones deserve, ensuring their safety, comfort, and overall wellbeing.Owner Eric Brown's personal journey led him to acquire Assisting Hands Home Care Naples, aiming to make life easier for families and their loved ones during challenging times. Our Care Management team collaborates closely with families, crafting personalized plans and ensuring a seamless transition for clients.Our caregivers are carefully selected to meet your familys unique needs, providing compassionate and tailored solutions. Contact us today to discuss your specific requirements and let us guide you through this journey with care and expertise.

Assisting Hands -- Naples

Care Management 10641 Airport-Pulling Road, Naples, Florida, 34109

Assisting Hands Home Care Naples provides award-winning home care services, ensuring the wellbeing of elderly family members while managing daily responsibilities. Our experienced team of caregivers undergoes rigorous training, embodying love, dignity, compassion, and respect in every interaction. We offer personalized care plans addressing mobility issues and isolation, reflecting our commitment to exceptional home care.Certified and accredited, Assisting Hands Home Care Naples emphasizes transparency, integrity, and a client-centric focus. Our services enhance quality of life for seniors, supported by testimonials showcasing tangible benefits. Trust us to provide the support and care your loved ones deserve, ensuring their safety, comfort, and overall wellbeing.Owner Eric Brown's personal journey led him to acquire Assisting Hands Home Care Naples, aiming to make life easier for families and their loved ones during challenging times. Our Care Management team collaborates closely with families, crafting personalized plans and ensuring a seamless transition for clients.Our caregivers are carefully selected to meet your familys unique needs, providing compassionate and tailored solutions. Contact us today to discuss your specific requirements and let us guide you through this journey with care and expertise.