Grandma, 60, Dominates ‘Call of Duty,’ Inspires Millions
‘TacticalGramma’ a Twitch Sensation, Raises Thousands for Charity
Forget outdated stereotypes of aging; Michelle Statham, a vibrant 60-year-old grandmother, is proving age is just a number in the world of competitive video gaming.
Gaming Grandma’s Rise to Fame
Known online as ‘TacticalGramma,’ Statham commands a massive following of over 110,000 on Twitch, the popular streaming platform. From her home in Washington state, she’s become a beloved figure, known for her skill in the intense first-person shooter, “Call of Duty.”
Despite the game’s primary demographic, Statham delights in outmaneuvering younger players, particularly enjoying long-range “sniping.” She remarked, “That’s pretty fun,”
unfazed by any potential judgment.
More Than Just a Game
Statham’s gaming prowess extends beyond entertainment. She has leveraged her online popularity to raise significant funds for charitable causes, demonstrating the positive impact of her hobby.
To maintain her physical well-being, Statham balances her gaming sessions with regular trips to the gym alongside her daughter, ensuring she stays limber. This commitment to fitness counters the sedentary nature often associated with extended gaming.
The Senior Gaming Boom
Statham is part of a growing trend: an estimated 57 million Americans over 50 actively engage in video games. This surge is understandable given gaming’s roots in the 1980s, meaning many who enjoyed early titles are now exploring modern gaming experiences.
Research suggests certain video games can offer cognitive benefits. Titles like “Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild,” with their expansive worlds, have been linked to positive neurological effects, potentially improving memory and learning functions.
Recent data from the Entertainment Software Association (ESA) indicates a robust engagement among older demographics. Nearly half of Americans in their 60s and 70s play video games weekly, with 36% of those in their 80s also participating.
Another gamer, a 72-year-old retired Naval veteran named Will, shared his positive experiences. He recounted receiving heartwarming feedback: “People always say: ‘I love you, Gramps. Keep on doing what you’re doing’… things like that, that really tug at your heart,”
highlighting the strong community bonds formed through gaming.
Will, who prefers to keep his last name private, advocates for seniors embracing technology, particularly through gaming. He enjoys immersive simulators such as “Hunter: Call of the Wild.”
Medical researchers studying gaming’s effects have noted numerous advantages, including enhanced social interaction, memory recall, reaction times, and collaborative skills. A 2023 study by AARP found that 48% of older adults who play video games report improved cognitive function (AARP, 2023).
While some studies have shown mixed results regarding specific games, researchers emphasize that older adults who actively learn and master video games are likely at minimal risk for neurological harm. Will, despite a cranial injury limiting his sitting time, maintains an optimistic outlook, quipping, “you’re never too old to respawn.”
