{"id":3185,"date":"2025-04-23T05:54:00","date_gmt":"2025-04-23T05:54:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/velkeholky.org\/?p=3185"},"modified":"2025-10-08T11:14:46","modified_gmt":"2025-10-08T11:14:46","slug":"co-umi-hry-s-nasim-mozkem-zdravi-pamet-a-tymovy-duch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/velkeholky.org\/en\/co-umi-hry-s-nasim-mozkem-zdravi-pamet-a-tymovy-duch\/","title":{"rendered":"What games can do to our brain: Health, memory and team spirit"},"content":{"rendered":"

"Playing games improves memory, concentration and can even help with Alzheimer's. Find out why fun is healthy for the brain!"<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, what games do you like the most? If you think that playing games is just entertainment that is "wasteful" and "unproductive", you might be surprised to learn that you can improve not only your reflexes, but also your memory, cognitive function and even brain health! \ud83c\udfae\ud83e\udde0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Myths about violence and games <\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Playing games = violence? Pfft!<\/strong> <\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n

In the past, video games were often accused of "producing" violent people. \ud83e\udd26\u200d\u2642\ufe0f Who among us does not remember the discussions that games like GTA or Mortal Kombat lead us to uncontrollable instincts? But - and this is the key point - a healthy person can distinguish between reality and a game. And what a person with conduct disorders does, he could do even without games. \ud83d\udc40 This is just another witch hunt!<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

For example, let's take the book "The Catcher in the Rye" - if you remember it, you know that the main character, due to his inner problems, did something that had nothing to do with whether he played video games or read the Bible. Just like J. Lennon's killer, who was reading this book! And so it is with games. If there is violence in them, it may be due to a combination of circumstances, not just the screen. \ud83c\udfae\u26a1<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Games are not just fun, they are also medicine for the brain<\/strong><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n

They affect reflexes and cognitive functions<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Now, be careful! Playing games can train your brain just as well as crossword puzzles. Games not only increase reaction speed, but also improve memory, coordination, and spatial orientation. And if you're a player of team games like Overwatch or Fortnite, you know how important it is communications<\/strong> and cooperation<\/strong> with others. These are all skills that you will use in real life! \ud83d\udcac\ud83e\udd1d<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What about the older generation?<\/strong><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n

What if we're a little older and our brain cells have slowed down a bit? \ud83e\udd14 Studies show that games can help people who are struggling with dementia or Alzheimer's disease. That's just great, right? For example, simple brain games - like Puzzles or Brain Age - can stimulate parts of the brain that support cognitive function. What's more, some games help older people maintain a greater ability to navigate and perceive the world around them. \ud83e\udde9\ud83d\udca1<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Sitting = addiction? It also depends on the degree<\/strong><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Well, but\u2026 nothing is completely risk-free. Sitting in front of a computer for long periods of time can have the same negative effects as spending hours in front of the TV or on social media. Gaming addiction is now recognized as a real problem. \u274c\u26a1 But \u2013 and this is an important point \u2013 gaming addiction is no worse than, say, TV or overeating sugar. Everyone needs to find a balance between what benefits them and what can start to control them.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Game balance = key to mental well-being<\/strong><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Just do it all in moderation! Playing games has its benefits, just like riding a bike or reading a book \u2013 but nothing should be overdone. If played wisely, they can not only entertain us, but also improve our memory, ability to concentrate and improve our mood. \ud83c\udf1f\ud83c\udfae<\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, instead of putting down the controller right away, enjoy the moments when you can relax a little, train your brain, and strengthen your team spirit. And if you feel like things are getting out of hand, you can always take a break and go for a walk. \ud83d\ude1c\ud83d\udeb6\u200d\u2642\ufe0f<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Social media vs. video games: Which is really worse for our psyche?<\/strong><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n

When it comes to the impact of the digital world on our psyche, social media is often the only thing that comes to mind. Whether it's Instagram, TikTok, or Facebook, all of these platforms have one thing in common \u2013 they can trigger comparisons, stress, and the pressure to live a "perfect" life. \ud83e\udde0\u274c And as the latest Canadian research shows, too much time spent on social media can actually worsen depression in teenagers. The more time we spend with our eyes glued to screens, the more our mental health can suffer. And unfortunately, many teenagers today are almost fused with their phones, which only increases the risk.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

But what about video games?<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n

To the surprise of many, video games are not as bad in this regard as most people think! \ud83c\udfae\ud83d\ude0a Studies show that when played in moderation, video games can have a positive effect on our cognitive function, concentration, and teamwork. Maybe it's time to stop blaming everything digital and start finding a balance between the real and virtual worlds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Gaming as brain training for the elderly<\/strong><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Alzheimer's, dementia, memory training and the most popular games among seniors<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n

In an era when modern technology is all around us, more and more seniors are passing the time by playing computer or mobile games. \ud83c\udfae\ud83d\udc74<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Can the popularity of games among the older generation be quantified?<\/strong><\/h3><\/div>\n\n\n\n

"According to a 2022 AARP study, 45% of Americans aged 50 and over play video games at least once a month. Among those players, 45% report playing daily." AARP<\/a>\u200b<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This data shows that playing games is not just fun for the young \u2013 seniors also enjoy the gaming world and use it for relaxation and mental training. And that's not all \u2013 39 % people over 70 years old<\/strong> are active players, and they are even considered the most passionate players! \ud83c\udfae Interestingly, 77 %<\/strong> of these seniors play daily, or at least several times a week. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So are games just entertainment for seniors?<\/strong><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n

Scientists have found that it's not just about entertainment. Many studies have shown that playing games can have a positive effect on the mental health of older people. Games help them keep their brains in shape, think, and thus practice cognitive functions. \ud83d\udca1\ud83e\udde0 Studies even show that video games can help slow the progression of dementia<\/strong> and improve the emotional state of seniors. Research conducted by Jason Allaire<\/strong>, showed that seniors who play games feel better emotionally than those who avoid playing games. According to an AARP survey 72 % players over 70 years old<\/strong> They play games to maintain their mental fitness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Games as a social tool for seniors<\/strong><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n

One of the other reasons why video games are so popular among seniors is social aspect<\/strong>. \ud83c\udfae\ud83d\udcac Playing games helps seniors connect with their peers, which can alleviate feelings of loneliness. loneliness<\/strong>, which often plagues the older generation. In some nursing homes, there are even regular playdates. In the United States, a national league<\/strong>, in which seniors compete in bowling on the Wii game console. This league brings together almost 1,400 people and 280 teams. \ud83c\udfc6<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What games are most popular among the older population?<\/strong><\/h2><\/div>\n\n\n\n

\ud83e\udde0 Among the most popular games for seniors<\/strong> we find mainly simple logic games, such as<\/p>\n\n\n\n