BobbyColtrane
Member
I saw this article last week and it got me thinking about gaming as you age and your physical limitations. The article is focused on reaction times, but I'm more interested in addressing your body breaking down and continuing to play.
I thought maybe we could share some information about coping with different issues and our favorite hobby as we age.
I'm 44 and my first memories of video games were arcades in the early 80s with Q-Bert, PacMan, Mario Bros, BurgerTime, etc. I suspect that if you're around my age (or older) you have probably experienced pain in your hands/arms/forearms as a result of gaming. I get muscle tension in my shoulders and in my forearms and I have tried different stretches over the years to help.
How do you cope? Stretches, ibuprofen, relaxation techniques? This guy has a pretty good channel with some stretches. I tend to grip the controller really tightly, especially with my right (dominant) hand. I would like to change that but I'm finding it difficult to focus on a challenging game and relax your body at the same time. Lately, my old ass has put a pillow under my arm as I game for support lol.
Have you been able to make changes to how you sit, grip, etc that have been beneficial?
I have never discussed this stuff with a doctor, have any of you?
I would love to get GAF's input on these things, I never see this topic discussed on the board and it feels a little more productive than bitching about Switch specs for 5 years (lol)
Like I said in the title, everyone's opinion is welcome, but people with direct experience or some sort of medical knowledge are probably in the best position to provide helpful input.
I thought maybe we could share some information about coping with different issues and our favorite hobby as we age.
I'm 44 and my first memories of video games were arcades in the early 80s with Q-Bert, PacMan, Mario Bros, BurgerTime, etc. I suspect that if you're around my age (or older) you have probably experienced pain in your hands/arms/forearms as a result of gaming. I get muscle tension in my shoulders and in my forearms and I have tried different stretches over the years to help.
How do you cope? Stretches, ibuprofen, relaxation techniques? This guy has a pretty good channel with some stretches. I tend to grip the controller really tightly, especially with my right (dominant) hand. I would like to change that but I'm finding it difficult to focus on a challenging game and relax your body at the same time. Lately, my old ass has put a pillow under my arm as I game for support lol.
Have you been able to make changes to how you sit, grip, etc that have been beneficial?
I have never discussed this stuff with a doctor, have any of you?
I would love to get GAF's input on these things, I never see this topic discussed on the board and it feels a little more productive than bitching about Switch specs for 5 years (lol)
Like I said in the title, everyone's opinion is welcome, but people with direct experience or some sort of medical knowledge are probably in the best position to provide helpful input.