Seniors & Online Gaming
Online gaming draws millions of
American seniors to their computer screens each day, and of
those millions, a large part are 55-65 year old females. A
match made in heaven, online game sites and senior gals go hand
in hand, providing opportunities for intense competitions and
camaraderie. Where, in times past, senior women might gather
for bridge, dominoes or canasta and snacks, now they gather
globally via the internet and numerous vibrant gaming websites.
Statistics reveal that 14% of the adult Internet population is over 55—and those seniors access the internet for pharmacies, e-greetings, cruise information and then online gaming. So, apparently, we get our meds set up, send birthday greetings to all the kids and grandkids, make our reservations for that great Caribbean cruise, and then unwind at the Slingo or Pogo game websites.
Educated, politically aware, healthy and seasoned practitioners of gaming skills, seniors today enjoy the enormous diversity of online gaming. Known as 'casual game' sites, the online diversions most popular simply bring old favorites to the computer screen—word puzzles, canasta, poker, gin rummy and solitaire—to name a very few. The entertainment value of these websites is outstanding, offering hundreds of game variations, games played with partners, teams or singly and 'chat' options offered on most games.
The 'chat' option allows players to converse via typed messages, normally viewed by anyone playing; although some sites allow players to set up private chat sessions, for extended 'conversations'. Players converse in commonly understood abbreviations and chat-versations can involve numerous players lauding others wins and lamenting losses. All in all, the chat option allows for endless opportunities for developing online friendships and enjoying playing with simple, friendly banter. For seniors unable to meet with friends for a quick game of cards, meeting online for that same quick game can be a very acceptable replacement.
Large numbers of seniors are now full-time, or nearly full-time caregivers to grandchildren and have found that online games can be an energetically shared common ground. Games are available for all skill levels with vibrant displays and stimulating audio support that can sustain younger kids' interest.
Seniors have shown, through site visits and online searches that their top 3 favorite online game sites are:
Each of these sites have games ranging from casino-style (slots, blackjack, poker) to mah-jongg style word puzzles to competitive solitaires. Tokens can be accumulated and some sites have the ability for players to create on-site profiles, with representational characters complete with token-purchased clothes and backgrounds. The game sites are flashy, extremely diverse and totally social. Seniors can race cars, bet big on the Texas hold'em tables or break serious brain cells over jigsaw puzzles intertwined with running murder mystery clues.
From the summer of 2005 to June of 2006 visits to gaming sites rose 8% for seniors, and in one week in July 2006 females over 55 represented 50-75% of all females playing on the top 10 internet gaming websites.
Online game playing for seniors is easy, free fun that provides stimulating entertainment, opportunities for totally self-regulated social interactions and nearly endless ways to tweak ones' mind.
Favorite games for seniors include:
- The JigZone www.jigzone.com
- Atlantis www.atlantis.bigfishgames.com
- My Way www.gamesville.com
- Pogo www.pogo.com
- Slingo www.slingo.com
- Uproar www.uproar.com
- Game House www.gamehouse.com
- Big Fish Games www.bigfishgames.com
The next time you find yourself with a few extra minutes near an online connection, hop over to one of the sites listed and see what all the fun is about—you're sure to find at least one game that will give you a smile.
