Recently talked to a 90+ year old man in a park in front of his nursing home, guy is a former RC plane enthusiast. Can’t do anything now because of his age, though. Bored all the time, sitting in the park is his highlight.

Thinking of donating an old gaming PC that can somewhat run the Microsoft flight simulator. Would that be a good idea? Can the average 80-90 year old use that at all, just speaking sensorically and motor skill wise?

Are there any other thoughts you have on that idea?

  • @[email protected]
    link
    fedilink
    26 months ago

    That’s a tough one.

    Old people who dont do new things do so because they don’t take the initiative to seek new things out.

    They might try something, if someone helps them to understand it.

    Some will be frustrated with the learning curve ramp and give up before they understand the value.

    Old people are creatures of habit. They have the least neuroplasticity of anyone.

    I still think its a nice idea though. I suggest a variety of games with simple mechanics.

    I would avoid games which require urgent management of simultaneous movement and aiming.

    Try to think about what old people would like to be doing if their bodies permitted them to.

    Something like Assassins Creed 2 might be nice, for some people to do a “virtual tour” of Rome (provided you can give them a save file with that part of the game available).

    • @sir_pronounOP
      link
      English
      26 months ago

      Haha thanks for your input, your line “think of what old people would like to do” and then suggesting Assassin’s Creed is gold