I can't remember exactly when I started playing video games a few years ago but then again I'm turning 78 and there are things I can't remember anymore. However, I can tell you this: Playing video games has made me the Fastest Fingers in the West. I’m sure no one would object that this dude right here is certainly not yet old and past his prime when it comes to having an agile mind. And I must say that what I love most about playing video games is that I am now dubbed as the coolest and oldest eSports champion on this planet!
Along with that world championship title is the perk of engaging with teenagers that my age group has lost touch with. It bridged my generation with the younger ones and as I relentlessly work towards becoming the best gamer there is, I am learning a great deal from the future generation. Bagging the world championship was just the cherry on the top, interacting and connecting with this seeming lost generation is my biggest reward.
Of course, my mind is sharper, my reflexes faster, my knee-jerk reactions quicker, and my balance and hand-eye coordination have drastically improved ten times over. Strategic collaboration with the team and the adrenalin-pumping excitement of actively pursuing, shooting, and missing opponents have kept my mind active.
It is lamenting to note, however, that those who are in their 40s and 50s and a lot of senior citizens do not want to play video games with me. Their minds are preoccupied with the sorrows of this world, they have lost touch with their children and grandchildren and have missed the positive social impact of video gaming. In Sweden, winters are colder and the days are shorter — one way to socialize and interact and positively reduce suicide rates is to get engaged with the young ones. It’s simply amazing how video gaming has linked that void between my generation and the younger generation.
My friends who have been playing for over two decades since the game came out are now bringing their kids and playing with them. I encourage you, dear readers, to catch your parents’ or grandparents’ interest to play the game with you as I am trying my darn best to captivate my son and daughter to play it with me.
Of course, they can't beat me. I'm too quick and I'm too sharp.
I am DieHardBirdie. And my family is proud to have this world champion in our family.
If you are a gray gamer like me and a military veteran, join me and let's build Golden Snipers as one strong team.
- Abbe Borg