The benefits of tuning into beloved game shows such as “The Price Is Right,” “Wheel of Fortune,” with new host Ryan Seacrest, and “Jeopardy!” can extend far beyond mere entertainment.
According to experts, whether it’s watching participants “come on down” on “The Price Is Right,” solving word puzzles on “Wheel of Fortune,” or proving your trivia skills against friends and family on “Jeopardy!” watching these shows can significantly boost your cognitive skills, enhance memory, and strengthen your mind.
Dr. Glen R. Finney, a fellow of the American Academy of Neurology and director of the Memory and Cognition Program at Geisinger Health, explains that game shows offer numerous cognitively stimulating features. Contestants, as well as viewers at home, are required to pay close attention, process information swiftly, and engage in problem-solving or recall previously acquired knowledge to answer questions.
Dr. Finney points out that these activities engage multiple networks in the brain in a fun and enjoyable manner, which also promotes learning. Regular cognitive activities that challenge the mind can improve mental sharpness. For instance, shows like “Jeopardy!” often help viewers access long-term semantic memory, which refers to general knowledge learned over time.
Ashley Curtis, PhD, assistant professor and director of the Cognitive and Affective Science Lab, emphasizes that as we age, we tend to retain long-term semantic memory. Watching game shows can help reinforce this stored knowledge, thereby keeping our minds active and sharp. There’s also some evidence showing that playing along with these types of game shows can improve cognitive and social engagement, which is known to be associated with better overall mental health, said Curtis.
Engaging with game shows can be a delightful way to maintain cognitive health, combining entertainment with mental exercise. So, next time you sit down to watch your favorite game show, know that you are doing more than enjoying yourself—you are giving your brain a valuable workout.