COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) -- A new initiative in central Ohio is connecting generations through gaming.
LevelUpLand Ohio is a partnership between the Franklin County Board of Commissioners Office on Aging, Esports Foundry, and Levels Unlocked Enterprises Ohio.
Pamela Shields, 70, is one of the seniors benefitting from the program. She said esports keep her mind and motor skills sharp, and that sharing a safe space with her peers is helping her feel less lonely.
"We're faced with that, being at home alone,” she said. “Your kids don't call you because they figure you're alright. Your grandkids don't stop by. ‘She doesn't need nothing.’ It's not true."
Chanda Wingo, Franklin County Office on Aging director, said the program was created to help combat the epidemic of loneliness and isolation.
"Social isolation is a threat to being healthy," Wingo said. "It impacts your mental health, your emotional, and in some cases, physical."
Wingo said she's been touched by hearing about seniors' experiences.
"I heard a story of a gentleman who was an avid golfer who physically could no longer golf, who was able to play a golf game and, you know, restore his passion," Wingo said.
Yvonne Tolbert has been attending senior gaming days with a group. On Tuesday, she tried out a new version of Solitaire, allowing her to connect with others from all over the world.
"I'm able to play with other people throughout the United States, U.K., and other places," Tolbert said.
Dr. Melita Moore, CEO of Levels Unlocked Enterprises Ohio, said getting seniors involved in gaming increases their opportunity for more meaningful and quality connections.
"We know that to be less lonely, you have to have quality connections,” Moore said. “It's not the quantity of the connections you have, it's truly about the quality, so if we can be that bridge to create this digital connection, then we're very happy to be able to do that."
"Isn't that what life is all about?” Shields said. “Being included and feeling like we still have value in our life.”
Moore said gaming can also help improve seniors' mental and physical health, among other benefits.
"When we are connected, we have less risk of dementia, less risk of heart disease, of high blood pressure," Moore said. "And so those all come into this epidemic of loneliness."
"This is so what we need, and the opportunity to feel like we belong," Shields said. "We're back in the game."
Senior gaming days are being held at Esports Foundry's Game Arena in Columbus' University District and are held every Tuesday through the end of the year from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.
