You've probably told your children and perhaps grandchildren to put down the video games and go play outside. But maybe you should be picking that controller up. Turns out video games may not just give your hands a workout, but your brain too.

While the first home video game console was released in 1972 - anyone remember Magnavox Odyssey? - video games became mainstream in the 1980s, right around the time when many boomers were raising kids. If baby boomers played video games at all as kids, it was likely a very basic game with two-dimensional graphics like Pong. Perhaps some of us even tried our hand at video games with our kids on their Sega or Nintendo, but gaming is usually viewed as a kid and young adult activity. Although, we were surprised to find a recent survey by the Entertainment Software Association which determined that nearly half of people 50 and older said they play video games. This study found the most popular games amongst the 50 and older crowd were card games, puzzle games, word games and trivia games. In general, though, most baby boomers are not playing video games, and if they are, it’s likely on their mobile phone and not a real “gaming console”.

A Men's Health article, however, suggests that maybe it's time our generation dusts off that old Nintendo stored in the closet, or  better yet, upgrade to a newer console, like the XBox One. If you want the newest PlayStation console, you'll want to buy PS5, which is debuting towards the end of 2020.

Why? Because apparently playing video games and "esports" can help protect your brain from aging. Our brain's reaction time starts to drop at age 24 (whaaaat?!) and gaming can stimulate different parts of your brain, in effect giving your brain a workout. But just like regular physical fitness, variety is critical. Different games offer different cognitive challenges.

A specific game mentioned is Super Mario 64, a 1996 Nintendo 64 game that was concluded by a study to result in brain volume increases in the regions responsible for spatial processing, memory, strategic planning, and motor skills.

Gaming for brain health is on the rise among different groups of people. Athletes are taking advantage of virtual-reality style games to enhance their mental performance. Military personnel are embracing simulated exploration to train for rescues and practice procedures.

We say, why not? If anything, it may be a fun and different activity for you try. Have a weekly gaming night with your partner or invite your kids and/or your grandchildren over for some friendly competition. It will give your brain a workout and you may just have some fun. Angry Birds, Candy Crush, and Bejeweled are a few basic, but fun “introductory” video games that baby boomers specifically might enjoy (and figure out). And if you want to exercise your brain AND your body, try Just Dance or Wii Fit Plus, where you will enjoy a fun mix of gaming and exercise.