视频游戏对成功老龄化的影响

老龄化已成为世界性问题, 数字化技术的发展以及视频游戏的迅速普及, 使视频游戏对老年人的影响也逐渐为研究者所关注。游戏中认知功能的训练能有效延缓认知老化; 游戏中体验到的积极情绪以及与其他玩家的互动可以提高心理健康水平; 网络视频游戏还能增加老年人的社会交往, 扩大社交网络, 增强社会功能; 此外, 互动视频游戏还能使老年人进行更多的身体锻炼。未来研究应进一步探讨视频游戏对成功老龄化更全面的影响, 老年玩家在视频游戏中的性别差异, 如何在中国文化背景下理解视频游戏带来的积极影响以及进行应用研究, 针对老年人的实际需要为游戏开发提供建议。

The Impacts of Video Games on Successful Aging

Aging has become a worldwide issue. Researchers have gradually realized the positive impacts of video games on older people as the considerable development of digital technology and the rapid popularization of video games. In the gaming, cognitive functioning can be trained, which may delay cognitive aging; mental health can be improved by experiencing positive emotions and interacting with others. Online video games can also enhance social functioning and capability of older people by increasing social interaction and expanding social network. Moreover, interactive video games can also provide older people more chances for their physical exercises. On this basis, future research should further explore the following issues: more comprehensive impacts that video games bring to successful aging; gender differences of older players in video gaming; the Chinese cultural context should also be taken into consideration in the research. Our research should also provide advices for the video game design particularly suitable for older users.