Video Games That can Improve Your Health

Get Your Game On

5 fun video games that can improve your health

The Feel-Good Benefits Exergames — physical games like those you — help you burn calories and promote cognitive stimulation, studies in Games for Health Journal find. Strategy games are brain boosters, too: Games that require complex problem solving can stimulate your brain more than simple puzzles, says Debra Lieberman of the University of California, Santa Barbara. Video games can also strengthen friendships, since you connect with fellow players as you're blasting bad guys. So what other health benefits may exist? Since 2007 the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation has doled out $8.25 million to examine video games' effect on everything from diabetes management to driving. See also: Minecraft
(Xbox 360; $27*)
Build structures out of blocks in this self-paced strategy game — just finish before monsters close in. Sports Champions 2
PlayStation 3; $30; available Oct. 30, 2012)
Increase your agility while playing virtual versions of sports like tennis, archery and skiing. Wii Sports Resort
(Wii; $40)
Up your energy level with bowling and basketball, then get social and host a tourna ­ ment with friends. Alien Attack
(Mac and PC; free via )
Test your eyesight and your reflexes as you maneuver a spaceship from left to right and open fire on invaders. Draw Something
(iPhone and Android smartphones; $3 for ad-free version)
Expand your creativity as you draw, well, something — and let your friends guess what it is. *All prices are suggested retail. You may also like: Plugging electrical leaks . More grandparents are connecting with grandkids . Remember to go to the every day for tips on keeping healthy and sharp, and great deals. Cancel You are leaving AARP.org and going to the website of our trusted provider. The provider’s terms, conditions and policies apply. Please return to AARP.org to learn more about other benefits. Your email address is now confirmed. You'll start receiving the latest news, benefits, events, and programs related to AARP's mission to empower people to choose how they live as they age. You can also by updating your account at anytime. You will be asked to register or log in. Cancel Offer Details Disclosures

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