The number of older gamers is rising, new research finds

New data suggests that gamers are getting older, with more people in the 55-64 age bracket playing video games than ever before.

A new report from marketing research firm Global Web Index revealed that the 55-64 demographic has grown 32% since 2018 (thanks GamesIndustry.biz). That's a growth of just under a third in just three years.

We've seen various factors play into the changing face of the gaming audience lately: whether it's in the increase of the number of mobile gamers, or the amount of people tempted to play games thanks to the Covid-19 pandemic, there's been some major (and fairly rapid) changes to the global gaming population. This study in particular used a sample size of just under 19,500 from various regions around the world.

As per the GWI report, a massive 86% of people that have an internet connection use the web to play games, with 24% of grandparents and parents noting that they view gaming with their relatives as "family time".

"Gamers are often portrayed in the media in a certain way, but as with many stereotypes, they aren't necessarily who you think they are" noted David Melia, VP of sports and gaming at Global Web Index, to GamesIndustry.biz.

It's no surprise that the gaming audience is getting older – after all, gaming kicked off properly decades ago now, and users that fell in love with the hobby back then will now be aging and maturing gracefully, like fine wine.

Better yet, it's been proven that gaming can keep elderly people’s brains sharp, and train people to multitask better again as they get older. If you want to age gracefully and keep your wits about you, though, you may want to avoid what research has dubbed 'the most stressful games you can play'.