Not just for kids: Stay sharp with learning games for adults

May 21, 2024

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Remember the thrill of peeling the plastic wrap off of a new board game or loading up a pixelated adventure on your home computer?

As children, learning was often disguised as play. But adulthood doesn’t have to mean we leave that sense of wonder behind.

That’s right: Learning through play can be effective at any age. In fact, today, we’re rediscovering that adults can—and should—use learning games to keep their minds sharp in a fun, engaging way. Because what good is a learning plan if you don’t want to stick with it?

The evolution of learning: then and now

Nostalgia, meet neuroscience. Our favorite vintage hits like Oregon Trail weren't just entertaining; they were gateways to problem-solving and strategic thinking. Today, neuroscience backs up the benefits of fun brain games, showing that gamified learning platforms can improve cognitive functions in adults. In fact, some studies indicate that older adults who engage in regular, stimulating mental activities are less likely to experience cognitive decline. This research underlines the importance of continuing to engage our brains in challenging and enjoyable ways as we age.

Modern learning games for adults, such as those offered by apps like Elevate, harness the power of technology to create tailored cognitive workouts. These platforms use algorithms to adapt in real time to a user's performance, increasing complexity in a manageable way that encourages continued learning and engagement.

Why learning games for adults are essential

There are three major reasons:

1. Continuous cognitive development: Learning doesn't stop when we leave school—our brains are wired to continue developing. As Dr. Thad Polk, a professor of psychology at the University of Michigan, explains, engaging in mentally challenging activities can stimulate neuroplasticity, which helps the brain reorganize itself by forming new neural connections throughout life.

2. Professional and personal growth: Beyond keeping our brains healthy, learning games for adults enhance skills that are crucial in today’s competitive professional environment. Critical thinking, problem-solving, and vocabulary expansion are just a few competencies that modern adult learning games can enhance. Moreover, these games offer a practical way to fill gaps in our learning, allowing us to adapt to new industries or advance in our current roles more effectively.

3. Stress Relief and Mental Health: Engaging in play can significantly reduce stress, according to research from the American Psychological Association. Games that challenge cognitive abilities can also provide a sense of accomplishment and improve mood, making them a potent tool for managing stress and boosting mental health.

Embracing play for lifelong learning

Just as many of us once enjoyed games like Tetris or trivia challenges, today's learning games for adults tap into that same sense of joy and engagement. These games make learning seamless, integrating the fun of childhood play with the rewards of adult learning.

Practical tips to get started:

Choose games that target skills you want to develop or areas where you want more confidence.
Set regular times to engage with these games, just as you might schedule workouts for physical fitness.
Use platforms like Elevate that provide feedback and track progress, helping you see tangible improvements.

Make learning fun again with the Elevate app

Learning games have proven their value across generations. For adults looking to enhance their mental agility, learning games are more than a delightful throwback—they are a crucial tool for personal and professional development. They keep us sharp, engaged, and ready to tackle whatever challenges come next.

Whether you’re a seasoned gamer or new to this world, embracing adult learning games can transform your approach to personal growth and cognitive health. So why not let the fun and games begin by downloading Elevate on iOS or Android? After all, staying mentally fit never has to stop being fun.

Enhancing your cognitive abilities