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Retirement can be a tricky time for many — nearly a quarter of adults over 65 are socially isolated, and many lack the mobility to travel outside the home to explore new activities. However, technology is opening new avenues for seniors to keep their minds agile (and have some fun). One pursuit that’s going down a treat among many elders is playing chess online.
Internet chess platforms like SparkChess allow players to compete against people on the other side of the world — or even AI-powered “sparring partners” of varying difficulty levels.
A New Era of Chess
AI-powered chess is nothing new. In 1997, IBM’s Deep Blue made headlines for defeating chess world champion Garry Kasparov, making it the first computer to do so, but the internet made it easier for players of all ages to find competitors and join online chess communities.
One of these players is Robert Thompson, an 85-year-old retired pharmacologist who first learned chess in the 1950s. After serving in Vietnam, he became a regular at Marshall Chess Club in Manhattan, where he observed grandmasters like Bobby Fischer and Sammy Reshevsky.
Nowadays, he plays chess on SparkChess.com against virtual characters. “I mostly play against Claire, who I can beat. Boris is another story. He is tough to beat or even draw, but I like the challenge. I love to play against SparkChess!” says Thompson. He also enjoys competing with human players from all over the world and engaging in banter with them.
Another keen chess player is Conrad Collins, who is almost 82. A dedicated player since he was 12 years old, Collins has been managing a chess club in North Carolina for nine years while also writing a newsletter. But despite being part of a real-life chess community, he still finds the online game beneficial — and he’s grown particularly fond of one AI player.
“Of all the sites, I prefer SparkChess, and Claire in particular. I’ve been playing against her for at least three years, almost daily. I find that level more human-like than most of the others,” says Collins. “Although I’m theoretically stronger than Claire, my record’s only about even with that level, the same as against the stronger but less aggressive Boris! For example, last night I lost a 55″ game to Claire, but this morning I won a 15″ game against her by playing more aggressively myself.”
Enhancing Social Connections and Mental Sharpness
To some, the idea of seniors spending their time playing against artificial intelligence may seem dystopian. But SparkChess is also fostering social connections between real people across the globe.
With over 100,000 members, the platform connects its users with a community who share their passion for the game. As they play, they can interact with each other — Thompson mentions how he enjoys competing with players from around the world and engaging in banter with them, despite the distance.
Geriatric specialist Dr Elena Niculescu explains that community-oriented platforms like SparkChess combine mental exercises with healthy competition and connection with like-minded individuals, which is crucial for boosting wellbeing.
“Chess is beneficial for problem-solving, strategic thinking, memory skills, and more,” notes Dr. Niculescu. “Playing against capable opponents, even artificial ones, exercises the brain’s logic and reasoning centers.”
SparkChess recently introduced accessibility features for players with reduced mobility or eyesight, allowing people to move the pieces on the board using voice commands.
Platforms like SparkChess are helping senior chess players like Collins and Thompson continue pursuing their passion while supporting their ability to live life to the fullest for many years.
Note: The information contained in this article is for education purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Readers should consult their own physician or healthcare provider.
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