Chisato ShizumeA new eSports facility opened on July 2 in Kobe, Hyogo prefecture. Surprisingly, the unique characteristic of this eSports facility is that the membership is limited to people over 60 years old.
ESports, meaning electronic sports, is competitive gaming which is becoming increasingly popular around the world today. There are various different organizations that manage competitive gaming events and tournaments for professional eSports players, often competing for lucrative prizes. Successful professional eSports players are generally said to be in their 20’s, and many retire before they turn 30. After all, eSports are for young people who can play fast, adapt new skills and can manage to sit in front of a computer screen for long hours with a headset on… Hyogo prefecture doesn’t think so.
Demographic timebomb: the aging population in Japan
Japan is one of the world’s fastest aging country with almost 36 million people, over 28 percent of the population aged over 65. As the aging of the population proceeded, the number of seniors living alone also increased. In the 1980s, approximately 15 percent of people aged 65 or older lived alone, but this number doubled by 2015. Now, more than a third of elderly people live by themselves in Japan. Lonely deaths, also known as ‘Kodokushi,’ are increasing especially in the urban areas, since single-member elderly households tend to lose connection with the society after retirement, avoid connection with the community and thus become socially isolated. However, research shows connection with the local community or having social engagement have a positive impact on seniors’ well-being.
Introducing eSports for seniors
The new eSports facility, ISR e-Sports, offers members communication with instructors as well as other members. For beginners, instructors will explain how to play eSports and introduce various games that are easy to start. Of course, advanced games for skilled players are also available.
There are plenty of advantages for seniors to play eSports. Firstly, a study by Université de Montréal showed how video games impacted older adults’ brains positively. Playing video games can avoid mild cognitive impairment, improve short-term memory, and increase brain activity that affects long-term cognitive health.
Furthermore, learning new things will stimulate the brain, form new neural connections and slow down the aging process. Also, because eSports do not require physical strength like other sports, beginners can start with little stress. It’s available regardless of weather too. Not to mention participating in eSports will offer seniors an opportunity for social engagement. There is a ‘Cooldown Time’ after each session so members have coffee and communicate with others for half an hour. Having a chit-chat with friends and members may become just as important as playing eSports itself.
Creating jobs and connection for seniors
ISR eSports aims to support job creation by spreading eSports for seniors. The company hopes some will eventually become instructors, and introduce eSports at retirement homes and facilities for the handicapped. ESports will create new jobs for seniors after retirement and may save seniors who are socially isolated. The new eSports facility will give various benefits for senior gamers and hope for the aging society.
