You're Never Too Old to Be a Gamer

Let me take you back to a moment in my life that was both unexpected and, as it turns out, life-changing. I was 30 years old, sitting on the couch, scrolling through my phone while my husband was fully immersed in some fantasy world on his gaming console. Now, I had always enjoyed playing The Sims - a game I had been hooked on since my teenage years - but that was about as far as my “gamer” identity went. I thought, like many, that gaming was something you outgrew, like trading cards or your obsession with the latest boy band.

But there I was, a grown adult, feeling a little ashamed that I still loved spending hours designing homes and managing the lives of my pixelated families in The Sims. It felt like a guilty pleasure, something I kept to myself because, let’s face it, the idea of an adult gamer wasn’t exactly what society deemed “normal,” or so I thought. And yet, here was my husband, a true-blue gamer, who never thought twice about it. He gamed openly and passionately, without a care in the world about who knew. And that got me thinking: if he could enjoy gaming without any guilt, why couldn’t I?

The Turning Point

The turning point came one evening when I was watching my husband again, have the time of his life, battling through some virtual world with his online friends. He was relaxed, laughing, and genuinely enjoying himself after a long day at work. It hit me then - why was I depriving myself of that same joy? Why should gaming be something I hid, something I felt I needed to grow out of? So, with a little encouragement from my husband, I decided to take the plunge into the wider world of gaming.

I started with Stardew Valley. It seemed like a safe choice - relaxed, easy-going, and not too far from the simulation games I was already familiar with. Little did I know, this game would completely change how I viewed myself as a “gamer.” I found myself engrossed in the game, loving every minute of tending to my farm, making friends in the village, and discovering all the little secrets the game had to offer. Before I knew it, I was hooked, and not just on Stardew Valley. I started exploring more games, each one opening up new worlds and experiences.

Embracing the Gamer Identity

What surprised me the most was how quickly I embraced my new identity as a gamer. No longer did I feel the need to hide my love for video games. In fact, I started sharing my gaming experiences with friends and even on social media. And do you know what? The world didn’t stop turning. If anything, I found myself connecting with people of all ages who shared my passion for gaming.

One day, while browsing through Facebook, I came across a post that really solidified my belief that there’s no age limit to being a gamer. Someone had thrown a birthday party for their mom who was in her 60s, and the theme was Palia - a cozy, community-based game that she absolutely loved. There were little Palia-themed butterfly decorations, all the food was from Palia and the birthday cake was THE birthday cake from the game itself. It was such a beautiful celebration of this woman’s love for gaming, and it was then that I realized just how far-reaching the world of gaming really is.

Breaking the Age Stereotype

There’s a common stereotype that video games are for kids or, at best, for young adults with too much free time on their hands. But that couldn’t be further from the truth. The gaming community is incredibly diverse, with players ranging from young children to seniors in their 70s and 80s. And why not? Gaming offers something for everyone, whether it’s a way to relax, a creative outlet, or a means of connecting with others.

Take my own experience as an example. When I first started playing Stardew Valley, I was simply looking for a way to unwind after a long day. But the more I played, the more I realized how much gaming had to offer. It wasn’t just about passing the time; it was about challenging myself, exploring new worlds, and even learning new skills. As I tried out different genres - everything from puzzle games to RPGs - I discovered that gaming was a hobby that could grow with me, offering new experiences at every stage of life.

The Social Side of Gaming

One of the most rewarding aspects of gaming as an adult has been the social connections I’ve made. Whether it’s teaming up with my husband for a co-op game or joining online communities centered around my favorite titles, gaming has brought me closer to people in ways I never expected. It’s no longer just about the game itself but about the shared experiences and the friendships that come with it.

For instance, I joined a cozy gaming server on Discord where people of all ages come together to chat about their latest gaming adventures, offer tips and tricks, or just hang out. It’s a vibrant, welcoming community, and being a part of it has made me realize just how inclusive the gaming world can be. Age, gender, background - none of that matters when you’re bonding over a shared love of gaming.

Gaming for Well-Being

Another thing I’ve come to appreciate about gaming is its impact on mental well-being. Life can be stressful, and having an outlet like gaming has been incredibly therapeutic. Whether I’m exploring a vast open world, solving intricate puzzles, or simply tending to my virtual farm, gaming has provided a much-needed escape from the daily grind. It’s a chance to switch off, relax, and immerse myself in something enjoyable.

Research has also shown that gaming can have numerous cognitive benefits, from improving problem-solving skills to enhancing memory and concentration. And it’s not just young people who benefit from these effects; older gamers can also experience improved cognitive function and mental agility. So really, gaming is not just a fun pastime - it’s a way to keep the mind sharp and healthy, no matter your age.

Conclusion

If there’s one thing I’ve learned from my journey into gaming, it’s that you’re never too old to be a gamer. Whether you’re 30, 60, or beyond, gaming is a hobby that can bring joy, connection, and even personal growth. So if you’ve ever thought that you’re too old to pick up a controller or dive into a new game, think again. The world of gaming is vast and welcoming, with something for everyone, regardless of age.

So go ahead - embrace your inner gamer. You might just discover a whole new world of fun and fulfillment, just like I did.

And if you need help deciding what game to pick up, I gotchu! I have a blog post about cozy games that are perfect for beginners. You can read it here.