Is The Wii Good for Aging Minds?

Researchers plan to test a theory about how using the Nintendo Wii might improve the thinking abilities of our aging population.  With $1.2 million to spend over the next four years, the group is creating a study in which men and women over the age of 65 will play Boom Blox and Blox Bash Party.

If their theory is correct, they would use the knowledge they gleaned from the study to actually create video games that could boost the memory and thinking capacities of the elderly.

After six years of schooling in psychology, I have to say that I’m personally very excited about the Gains Through Gaming Lab and their attempt to improve cognition through video gaming.  I do believe that the study’s results will show improvement among the seniors.  I’ve read so many papers about how a person can remain mentally “sharp” throughout their lives by continually learning and engaging in activities like crossword puzzles.  Video games are even more interactive so the potential here is huge.

I also think that they picked great games although I would have also included Big Brain Academy.  I reviewed Boom Blox after it won for “Best Wii Game” at the 2008 Spike Video Game.  I think that it really does test reasoning and problem-solving skills and now I’m thinking of taking a copy over to my own grandmother.

image: GTG Lab