Group of seniors ranging in their 60s to 90s will represent USA at Global Esports Games in LA
These seniors play video games for connection, competition
A group of seniors is preparing to represent Team USA at the Global Esports Games this December in Los Angeles.
The gamers, ranging in age from their 60s to their 90s, meet weekly in Columbus, Ohio to play video games, such as "Mario Kart."
But it's not all about competition.
The team was formed through a nonprofit called the "Health-E-Gamer Foundation." Its mission is to combat loneliness among older adults.
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"We know that when you identify as socially isolated or lonely, you do have a 50% increased risk of dementia, increased risk of heart disease, hypertension. So this is real," said Melita Moore, founder of the Health-E-Gamer Foundation.
The group has met every Tuesday for the past two years to game together.
More than 100 countries will be represented at this December's competition, but the US and Belgium are the only two with senior gaming teams.
