by Eileen Hughes

Created on: October 28, 2007   Last Updated: October 29, 2007

I told my grandkids they were mad wasting their time playing games on the computer. They laughed, saying they reckoned I did not understand how much fun it was. I assured them, that I would not waste my time playing games. This was the truth. Although, a few weeks later, I went to a friend's place, and she was playing a game called Arx Fatalis, produced by Jo Wood.

She gave me a copy and like a fool, I put it on my computer. Well, that was the end of the housework; I forgot the dishes, and when my husband came home, the washing machine was full and I was still playing it. This was a role-playing game, where you could choose the character you want to play. Then go from one town to another fight, and learn to use magic and cast spells. It is like living in another world. Then you wonder how the hours disappeared.

Personally, I think it transports you to another time and place, with no worries or cares at all. You forget all your troubles except the challenges put before you in the games. In addition, they really test your patience and become very infuriating at times. I admit to hitting the keyboard in frustration on many occasions.

Mouse controls
Many games use the left and right mouse controls. People need to be aware that continual use of a mouse may cause problems with your hands. In particular, the palm area may become sore or painful with excessive use. You should occasionally try placing the palm over the edge of your desk, or rest your other hand under your wrist to lessen the pressure on the palm of your hand.

Keyboard controls
Continual use of the keyboard controls can also cause problems with arthritis sufferers. I find that people using the keyboard controls, often tend to bash the keys harder while playing games, as the intensity grows.

I would suggest that you vary the use between the keyboard, mouse, or game controllers. That way, you are using various finger hand co-ordination and lessens the stress on any one part of the hand.

Beneficial to seniors in particular
I believe that seniors really benefit by playing many varieties of video games. It helps them with eye co-ordination, because they have to follow the movement of all the different characters about on the screen. It stimulates the brain, beyond belief. They have to be on guard, prepared to fight or chase a bad person or animal through scene after scene on the screen. Therefore, their brain is continually working overtime to avoid one disaster or another and thinking about what move to make next.

It makes them forget, their aches and pains and the often loneliness of living in a home or unit by themselves. It transports them to a different time and place where their problems no longer exist. Therefore, this cannot be a bad thing for any senior or young person, for that matter.

They may play against other seniors like themselves on line, and join a forum where they can share their experiences of different games and learn the little secrets of cheating in the games. They could share their walkthroughs with their friends as well (information on when to do what)

I would definitely encourage more seniors to play games. Whether they play crosswords, teasers, role-playing video, star wars, card games, or monopoly the challenge is worth every minute. It would keep them alert and helps improve their reflexes. The memory game helps them with their memory, to memorize how to use different spells and things.

The stimulation it will give you, of mind, body, and soul is worth the money spent on purchasing the game. They will expand your physical and mental capabilities tenfold. Ask the medical professionals, how beneficial the interaction will be for the seniors.
Go for it seniors, and challenge those grandchildren. You might beat them.

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