Play on Purpose: AARP Study Explores Why Adults 50-Plus Play Video Games

Key Findings

• Gaming is mainstream among adults 50-plus: 49% play video games, 1 in 5 plays daily, and smartphones are the most common device.
• Older adults often play for well-being: 75% play to relax and decompress, 73% to keep their minds sharp, and 61% to relieve stress or anxiety.
• Older gamers are not one audience: Five distinct segments reflect different habits and motivations, including reward, challenge, escape, wellness and connection.

A 2026 AARP survey and qualitative interview study show how video games support relaxation, mental stimulation, stress relief, healthy aging and family connection for adults age 50-plus.

60.2 million, about half, of adults age 50-plus play video games, and many use gaming as a practical form of self-care.

AARP's study finds that older players turn to games to relax, stay mentally engaged, relieve stress and create personal “me time” within their daily routines. One in 5 older gamers play every day, yet only 10% identify as gamers, a gap that shows how fully gaming has entered everyday life without becoming central to most players’ identities.

How people play is equally revealing. Smartphones are the most common device, most players usually play alone, and a typical session lasts 15 to 60 minutes. These patterns make gaming convenient and easy to fit into daily life. Players value relaxation, mental stimulation, fun and control over when and how long they play.

The research also shows there is no single older-player profile. Five distinct segments differ in frequency, motivations and preferred experiences, while qualitative accounts show gaming helping people cope with loss, illness, caregiving and recovery. Among those who play with others, games can also strengthen family bonds. The findings point to an opportunity for game designers and communicators to focus on the outcomes adults 50-plus seek — reward, challenge, escape, wellness and connection — rather than relying on age-based stereotypes.

How many adults 50-plus play video games?

Nearly 1 in 2 adults age 50-plus plays video games, and 1 in 5 plays every day. Gamer rates are about the same for men and women, although women are more likely than men to play daily.

• 66% play on smartphones.
• 79% usually play alone.
• 65% play for 15 to 60 minutes in a typical session.
• 40% say gaming is part of their daily routine, yet only 10% consider themselves gamers.

Why do adults 50-plus play video games?

The motivations for gaming extend beyond entertainment. Relaxation and mental sharpness are important, while stress relief, fun, self-regulated gameplay, and convenience make gaming an accessible part of self-care and everyday well-being for older adults.

“It’s a fun exercise for the brain. It keeps your mind active. We all need play in our lives. It makes us feel alive and hopeful.” —Research participant, age 50-plus

How can gaming help during difficult times?

Three in 4 older gamers have used video gaming to cope with at least one life event or difficult feeling. Participants described gaming as a way to regain focus, establish a routine and temporarily step away from difficult emotions during periods of loss, illness, caregiving and recovery.

“I was recently diagnosed with an illness, and gaming was a way to escape from the day-to-day worries.” —Research participant, age 50-plus

What types of older gamers did the study identify?

The research identified five distinct segments among adults 50-plus who play digital games. The segments show why player motivations, not age alone, should shape game design and messaging.

How can video games strengthen family connections?

Although most gaming is done alone, intergenerational play creates opportunities for low-pressure connection. Among older gamers who play with others, 35% play with a child or grandchild. Participants described role reversal, shared laughter, distance bridging and new family memories.

“I’ve played with my 7-year-old granddaughter several times, and she’s had to teach me how to play. She’ll make up her own rules as we go, but it’s okay. We laugh, we joke, we bond, we have a good time.” —Research participant, age 50-plus

What does this research mean for the gaming industry?

Gaming is a mainstream activity among adults 50-plus. For many older players, it supports relaxation, mental engagement, stress relief, personal time and overall well-being. The market opportunity is not to create “old people’s games,” but to recognize the diversity of older players and design around the outcomes they seek: reward, challenge, escape, wellness and connection.

Looking for your next game? Explore AARP Games for a variety of free online options, including word and trivia games, solitaire, Mahjong, puzzles, arcade games and more.

Methodology

The quantitative study included 1,014 gamers age 50-plus drawn from NORC’s probability-based Foresight 50-Plus panel. Survey interviews were conducted May 14 to 18, 2026, and June 17 to 22, 2026, using a mixed-mode survey that was approximately 90% online and 10% by phone. Data were weighted to Current Population Survey benchmarks and AARP membership by age group.

The qualitative study included 312 AI-moderated in-depth interviews with adults age 50-plus who play games on any device at least monthly. Interviews were conducted March 9 to 13, 2026, and all five gamer segments were represented by design.

For more information on this study, contact Brittne Kakulla at bkakulla@aarp.org. For media inquiries, contact media@aarp.org.