You may not realize it, but the boomer generation invented computerized games. In 1952 the first graphic-based computer tic-tac-toe game was invented by a Cambridge Ph.D. student A.S. Dougless. Dougless, however, was not credited with the first real video game, the honor is given to William Higinbotham who created “Tennis for Two” in 1958. These two games inspired others to create even more complex games such as “SpaceWar” in 1962 by Steve Russell and “Chase” in 1967 by Ralph Baer.
The first arcade games were created in 1971 by Nolan Bushnel and Ted Dabney. Bushnel and Dabney became the founders of the Atari Company, the mother of all video gaming systems. The Atari Company went on to produce “Pong” in 1972, “Asteroids” in 1980 and “Lunar Lander” also in 1980. (Bellis, 2019) Even though many parents and grandparents struggle with today’s technology, if it wasn’t for them, there would not be today’s technology. They cleared levels 1-10 and inspired the next generations to advance to where we are today.
For paving the way to the gamer revolution, technology has a way of paying back what that generation gave. As the boomers get older, memories will start to fade, some will develop dementia in which we have no cure. We can, however, help slow the process by getting gaming involved. Many online brain games such as boatload puzzles, web sudoku, lexulous, and strategy type games can challenge the mind and help strengthen cognitive reserve. It is this reserve that can keep your loved one’s memories strong, more resilient to loss.
We do not recommend planting grandma or grandpa in front of an Xbox and tell them to have fun. They need games that will challenge the brain. Games that help young children to learn will help older adults to practice those skills. Choose according to your loved ones mentally comparable age. It would not be appropriate for Dad/Grandpa with dementia to be playing Call of Duty when his brain may be losing the ability to tell the difference between reality and fantasy. That may not end well and could also cause flashbacks, if he himself served in Vietnam or any of the armed services.
Virtual Reality (VR) is a fun way to play games but could be dangerous for Mom/Grandma. She could lose balance or trip over something if she cannot see her surroundings. The headsets used can throw off equilibrium. We would not recommend this type of gaming unless in a seated position. There are new games out there designed specifically for adults with dementia and more being created.
It doesn’t have to be a video game. Physical puzzles, crosswords and board games can also help. Anything that can stimulate the brain using recall or strategy will give the biggest boost. The plus of games is you can play too. So, enjoy a game with the parents or grandparents, it creates memories for both of you and can help them stay mentally sharper, longer.
Bellis, M. (2019, August 23). The History of early Computer and Video Games. Retrieved from Thoughtco.com
