GRISWOLD COMMUNICATIONS • 712-778-2121 • gr i swoldcommun i cat ions . com Grab a Pen and Paper on December 26 December 26 is National ThankYou Note Day, an annual reminder of the time-honored tradition of thanking people in writing for their gifts and generosity. While there’s no official known reason as to why this day was created, we can assume it’s because of the many gifts exchanged on December 25. Granted, in our technology-driven lives, writing a thank-you note on paper has become a bit of a lost art. Yet the few minutes it takes to do so will undoubtedly be appreciated by the recipient. People enjoy getting personalized messages in the mail, and a note in your handwriting carries a tactile expression of thanks that verbal communication, texts, and emails often lack. If you’re not in the habit of writing thank-you notes, here’s all you have to do: Acknowledge the specific gift, share how much you’ll enjoy using it, and close with a heartfelt “thanks.” Speaking of thanks, Griswold Communications thanks you for your loyal support of our company! When you think of a "gamer," you probably don't think of a senior citizen. However, Entertainment Software Association (ESA) data from 2025 indicates there are 57 million Americans over 50 who game—a cohort that represents 28% of the approximately 205 million total U.S. gamers. Nearly half of Americans in their 60s and 70s play some form of PC, mobile, or console video game every week, as do 36% of people in their 80s. In addition to being a fun form of entertainment, gaming offers seniors other important benefits including these: Better Emotional Well-being - Research shows that gaming reduces stress and increases life satisfaction. For seniors, video games provide enjoyable challenges and social connections that can lift spirits and create a sense of community. Improved Physical Performance - Games that require physical interaction—like the VR game Beat Saber, Nintendo Switch Sports, and other motion-controlled titles— can help seniors improve balance, coordination, and reflexes. This is due to the quick decision-making and action required to play. Some seniors have even reported faster walking speeds as a result of playing video games. Enhanced Cognitive Ability - A study published by the National Institute on Aging found that video games can significantly improve memory function in older adults experiencing age-related cognitive decline. The research showed that video games provide novel environments that stimulate the hippocampus, the brain region critical for memory. For seniors who may be homebound, these virtual environments offer an engaging way to keep their brains active and healthy. Playing video games exercises a gamer’s memory, especially short-term memory. Playing even occasionally can help seniors remember things like names, addresses, phone numbers, dates, and times better than they do without video game stimulation. They also force players to switch quickly between different tasks, which can lead to increased mental flexibility and multi-tasking ability. If you’re planning to level up your gaming, you may need to upgrade your internet service. Visit griswoldcommunications.com to learn more. It’s Game on for Seniors
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