Young gamers may meet their match: grandmothers

Don't be surprised if your competitors in video game tournaments are silver-haired elderly people. Some of them are in training at an eldercare facility in Xuchang, Henan province.

Fan Jinlin, who operates five care homes, had the idea of introducing video games to the residents after many expressed hope of developing stronger bonds with their grandchildren.

"A grandmother once asked me how to play video games," the 26-year-old Fan said. "She said her grandson refused to talk to her but played games all day long. Many elderly people had the same trouble and asked for my help."

Fan bought computers and installed video games that were popular with young people. To his surprise, the residents, all wearing reading glasses, diligently learned how to play.

"Many of them got familiar with the games in less than a week, and some said they could play better than their grandsons after practicing — especially the grandmothers," Fan said. "They learned quickly."

Two elderly players are eager to participate in video game competitions.

"They think it's cool to play the games, and that they can travel around when participating in competitions," Fan said.