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Nintendo Keeps Wits and Reflexes Sharp

Posted by ryuzaki0 on from the i've-always-thought-so dept.

PreacherTom writes "While not definitively proven, the concept that video games can stave off mental degradation in the elderly is gaining favor. 'Nintendo ... boast[s] that Brain Age was developed with the help of Dr. Ryuta Kawashima, a respected Japanese neuroscientist whose face pops up at the start of every game. Kawashima believes brains can be kept young and nimble through the rapid repetition of simple mental challenges. The game is wildly popular in Japan, and 4 million copies have been sold worldwide since Brain Age was introduced 15 months ago.'"

5 of 73 comments (clear)

  1. Eh by LokiTD · · Score: 2, Insightful

    This post reads like an advertisement.

  2. Re:Why is this so surprising??? by ocdude · · Score: 2, Insightful

    It's news to people who constantly bash video games as the source of all that is unholy in our society. Do you really think that people like Jack Thompson know or would care to know that video games just might be helpful?

  3. alternatives galore... by Quadraginta · · Score: 5, Insightful

    Is there an alternative to this "Brain Exercise" game...?

    Read Jane Eyre or Chernow's biography of Alexander Hamilton? Play tennis, golf, ping-pong? Learn to play the ukelele? Study Latin? Get together with friends to play bridge and argue politics?

    It seems hardly surprising that playing video games is better than simply allowing your brain to rot. But I'd be equally surprised if playing video games is better than the more obvious and traditional ways to stay active as you age.

    1. Re:alternatives galore... by RockModeNick · · Score: 4, Insightful

      I think video games might be particularly useful for isolated older people.

  4. Re:Why is this so surprising??? by kfg · · Score: 2, Insightful

    oh why .. is this news to anyone?

    They're selling something. The aging brain is a sucker.

    KFG