Brain training for the elderly: Gaming for better memory

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  Quantumrun Foresight
• August 30, 2022

Insight summary

Video games are emerging as a key tool in enhancing mental abilities among seniors, driving growth in the brain training industry and evolving elderly care practices. Research indicates these games improve cognitive functions like memory and processing speed, with increasing adoption in healthcare, insurance, and eldercare sectors. This trend reflects a broader shift in societal attitudes towards aging, mental health, and technology's role in improving the quality of life for older adults.

Brain training for the elderly context

Elderly care has evolved to include a variety of methods aimed at stimulating the mental capabilities of senior citizens. Among these methods, the use of video games has been highlighted in several studies for their potential to enhance brain performance. The industry focused on brain training through digital platforms has grown significantly, reaching an estimated market value of USD $8 billion in 2021. However, there is still ongoing debate regarding the efficacy of these games in truly enhancing cognitive skills across different age groups.

The interest in brain training for seniors is partly driven by the aging global population. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the number of people aged 60 and over is projected to double by 2050, reaching approximately two billion individuals. This demographic shift is catalyzing investment in various services and tools aimed at promoting health and independence among the elderly. Brain training software is increasingly seen as a key component of this broader trend, offering a way to maintain or even improve cognitive health in older adults. 

One notable example of this trend is the development of specialized video games by organizations, such as the Hong Kong Society for the Aged. For instance, they might involve simulations of everyday tasks like grocery shopping or matching socks, which can help seniors in maintaining their daily living skills. Despite the promise shown in initial studies, the question remains as to how effective these games are in real-world scenarios, such as improving a 90-year-old's ability to drive safely. 

Disruptive impact

The integration of modern technology into daily activities has made it easier for senior citizens to engage with cognitive games. With the widespread availability of smartphones and game consoles, seniors can now access these games while performing routine activities such as cooking or watching television. This accessibility has led to an increase in the use of brain training programs, which have evolved to be compatible with various devices, including computers, game consoles, and mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. 

Recent research has shed light on the effectiveness of commercially available cognitive games in enhancing various mental functions in older individuals without cognitive impairments. Studies indicate improvements in processing speed, working memory, executive functions, and verbal recall in people over 60 years old who engage in these activities. One review of current studies on computerized cognitive training (CCT) and video games in healthy seniors found that these tools are somewhat helpful in improving mental performance. 

A study focusing on the game Angry Birds™ demonstrated the cognitive benefits of engaging with digital games that are novel to the older population. Participants aged between 60 and 80 years played the game for 30 to 45 minutes daily over four weeks. Memory tests conducted daily after gaming sessions and four weeks post the daily gaming period revealed significant findings. Players of Angry Birds™ and Super Mario™ exhibited enhanced recognition memory, with improvements in memory observed in Super Mario™ players continuing for several weeks beyond the gaming period. 

Implications of brain training for the elderly

Wider implications of brain training for the elderly may include: 

• Insurance companies expanding their healthcare packages to include brain training activities, leading to more comprehensive health coverage for seniors.


• Elderly care facilities like hospices and homecare services incorporating daily video games into their programs.


• Game developers focusing on creating senior-friendly cognitive training programs accessible via smartphones.


• The integration of virtual reality technologies by developers in brain training games, offering seniors a more immersive and interactive experience.


• A surge in research exploring the benefits of brain training for the elderly, potentially improving their overall quality of life.


• Findings from this research being utilized to design games specifically for individuals with mental impairments, catering to a broader age range and variety of cognitive challenges.


• Governments potentially revising policies and funding to support the development and accessibility of cognitive training tools, recognizing their value in elderly care.


• The increasing use of cognitive games in senior care leading to a shift in public perception, recognizing the importance of mental fitness at all ages.


• A growing market for brain training technologies, creating new business opportunities and stimulating economic growth in the tech and healthcare sectors.


• Potential environmental impacts due to increased production and disposal of electronic devices used for these games, requiring more sustainable manufacturing and recycling practices.

Questions to consider

• How else do you think this technology will help the elderly?


• What are the potential risks of these technologies being used in elder care?


• How can governments incentivize the development of brain training among the elderly?