A 2026 pilot study of 26 older adults in Japan found that playing competitive video games combined with exercise and health education for 12 weeks improved walking speed and balance compared to a control group, with no injuries reported and 100% participant satisfaction. According to Gram Research analysis, the program showed excellent feasibility with 83% session attendance and zero dropouts, though larger studies are needed to confirm these benefits.
A new study from Japan tested whether playing competitive video games (called esports) could help people over 60 stay physically and mentally healthy. Twenty-six older adults participated in a 12-week program that combined exercise, health education, and video gaming. According to Gram Research analysis, the group that played esports showed better balance and walking speed compared to those who didn’t participate. All participants enjoyed the program, nobody quit, and no one got hurt. While these results are promising, researchers say larger studies are needed to confirm that esports really works as a health tool for older adults.
Key Statistics
A 2026 pilot trial of 26 older adults published in PLoS ONE found that a 12-week program combining esports, exercise, and health education improved gait speed and balance in the intervention group compared to controls, with no adverse events reported.
In the 2026 Japanese esports study, 10 of 12 participants (83%) attended at least 80% of weekly sessions, all participants reported enjoying the program, and zero participants dropped out during the 12-week intervention period.
Research reviewed by Gram found that older adults aged 60+ showed statistically significant improvements in physical function measures after participating in a multicomponent esports program, with positive psychological status scores increasing after each session.
A 2026 feasibility study of 26 community-dwelling older adults demonstrated that competitive video gaming combined with traditional exercise is safe for seniors with no prior gaming experience, with 100% of participants expressing willingness to continue playing esports after the study ended.
The Quick Take
- What they studied: Can playing competitive video games as part of a fitness program help older adults improve their walking, balance, and thinking skills?
- Who participated: 26 people aged 60 and older from Japan who had never played video games before. They were split into two groups: 12 people did the esports program, and 14 people did their normal activities.
- Key finding: People who played esports showed better improvements in how fast they walked and their balance compared to the control group, and everyone reported having fun and wanting to keep playing.
- What it means for you: Video games might be a fun way to help older adults stay active and healthy, but this was a small test. You shouldn’t rely on this alone for fitness—talk to your doctor before starting any new exercise program.
The Research Details
Researchers in Japan recruited 26 older adults who had never played video games before. They split them into two groups: one group attended 90-minute sessions once a week for 12 weeks that included health education, exercise, and competitive video gaming. The other group continued their normal routines. The researchers measured how well people could walk, their balance, their mood, their thinking skills, and their body composition before and after the 12 weeks.
This type of study is called a ’non-randomised controlled trial,’ which means the researchers didn’t randomly assign people to groups—they chose who went into which group. This is less rigorous than a fully randomized study, but it’s useful for testing whether something is even worth studying in a bigger way.
The researchers also tracked whether people showed up to sessions, if they enjoyed the program, whether anyone got hurt, and if they wanted to keep playing video games after the study ended.
This research design is important because it tests whether esports is actually safe and enjoyable for older adults before spending money on huge studies. If people don’t show up, get injured, or hate it, there’s no point in doing a bigger trial. By proving the program is feasible and safe, researchers can justify larger, more rigorous studies that would give clearer answers about whether esports really improves health.
This study is a pilot test, which means it’s small and exploratory—not definitive proof. The sample size of 26 people is too small to draw firm conclusions. The study wasn’t fully randomized, which could introduce bias. However, the study did have good retention (people showed up and didn’t drop out), no one got hurt, and the researchers measured multiple health outcomes. The fact that it was published in PLoS ONE, a peer-reviewed journal, means other scientists reviewed it for quality.
What the Results Show
The most important finding was that the program was feasible and safe. Out of 12 people in the esports group, 10 attended at least 80% of the sessions, nobody dropped out, and zero adverse events (injuries or health problems) were reported. Everyone said they enjoyed the program and wanted to keep playing video games afterward.
When researchers looked at physical function, they found that people in the esports group showed better improvements in gait speed (how fast they walk) and balance compared to the control group. These differences were statistically significant, meaning they probably weren’t just due to chance.
Psychological well-being also improved. People in the esports group reported better mood and mental state after each session. However, the researchers were careful to note that these were exploratory findings from a small pilot study, not definitive proof that esports works.
The study also tracked cognitive function (thinking and memory skills) and body composition (muscle and fat), but the results were less clear. The researchers didn’t find strong evidence that these measures changed significantly. This could be because 12 weeks is a short time to see changes, or because the sample was too small to detect differences.
This is one of the first studies to test whether esports specifically can improve health in older adults. Most previous research on video games and aging has focused on casual games or brain-training apps. This study is unique because it combined esports with traditional exercise and health education. The finding that older adults can safely play competitive video games is new and somewhat surprising, since many people assume video games are only for young people.
This study has several important limitations. First, it’s very small—only 26 people—so the results might not apply to all older adults. Second, it wasn’t fully randomized, meaning the researchers chose who went into each group rather than randomly assigning people, which could introduce bias. Third, the study only lasted 12 weeks, so we don’t know if benefits last longer. Fourth, all participants were from Japan and had no prior gaming experience, so results might differ in other countries or with people who already play games. Finally, the researchers themselves said their findings about physical and cognitive function were ’exploratory,’ meaning they’re preliminary and need confirmation in larger studies.
The Bottom Line
Based on this pilot study, esports combined with exercise and health education appears safe and enjoyable for older adults with no prior gaming experience. However, confidence in these recommendations is low because this is a small, early-stage study. If you’re an older adult interested in trying esports, talk to your doctor first, especially if you have any health conditions. Don’t use esports as a replacement for traditional exercise—think of it as a supplement that might make fitness more fun and engaging.
This research is most relevant to older adults aged 60+ who are looking for new, engaging ways to stay active and mentally sharp. It’s also important for fitness professionals, geriatricians (doctors who specialize in older adults), and game developers interested in health applications. People with serious health conditions or cognitive impairment should consult their doctor before trying esports. This study doesn’t apply to younger people or those with extensive gaming experience.
In this 12-week study, improvements in walking speed and balance appeared within the timeframe of the program. However, we don’t know how long these benefits last after stopping the program. Realistic expectations would be to see noticeable changes in balance and walking within 8-12 weeks of regular participation, but you’d likely need to continue playing to maintain benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can older adults play video games safely?
Research shows that older adults aged 60+ can safely play competitive video games as part of a structured program. A 2026 study of 26 seniors found zero injuries or health problems during 12 weeks of esports participation, with 83% attending sessions regularly and all participants enjoying the experience.
Do video games help older people walk better?
A 2026 pilot study found that older adults who played esports combined with exercise showed better improvements in walking speed and balance compared to those who didn’t participate. However, this was a small study, so larger research is needed to confirm these benefits.
How often should older adults play esports for health benefits?
The 2026 study tested 90-minute sessions once per week for 12 weeks and found improvements in balance and walking. This appears to be an effective frequency, though research on optimal dosing is limited. Talk to your doctor about what’s right for your individual situation.
Is esports better than regular exercise for seniors?
Esports shouldn’t replace traditional exercise—it works best combined with it. The 2026 study paired esports with 30 minutes of exercise and health education. Think of esports as a fun addition to regular fitness, not a substitute, especially since this is early-stage research.
What type of video games are best for older adults?
The 2026 study used competitive esports games, but research on which specific games work best for seniors is limited. Games should be accessible, engaging, and not require excessive hand-eye coordination. Consult your doctor or a physical therapist for personalized recommendations.
Want to Apply This Research?
- Track weekly esports session attendance and duration (aim for 90 minutes per week), plus a simple balance test like standing on one leg for time, or walking speed over a measured distance. Record mood or energy level before and after each session on a 1-10 scale.
- Start with one 90-minute session per week combining a 30-minute exercise warm-up, 20-minute health education topic, and 40-minute esports gameplay. Choose accessible esports games designed for older adults. Gradually increase engagement by tracking personal improvement in the game and celebrating weekly attendance milestones.
- Use the app to log attendance, mood changes, and simple physical tests (balance, walking speed) every 2 weeks. Set reminders for weekly sessions. After 12 weeks, compare baseline measurements to current performance. Share progress with a healthcare provider to ensure the program remains safe and beneficial.
This research is a small pilot study and should not be considered definitive medical advice. The findings are preliminary and exploratory. Before starting any new exercise program, including esports, consult with your healthcare provider, especially if you have existing health conditions, take medications, or have balance problems. This study does not replace medical treatment or professional physical therapy. Results from this Japanese population may not apply to all older adults. Esports should complement, not replace, traditional exercise and medical care recommended by your doctor.
This research translation is published by Gram Research, the science division of Gram, an AI-powered nutrition tracking app.
