World of Warcraft (WoW) is a popular online game that allows people from around the globe to take on the roles of fantasy characters and participate in exciting adventures in a virtual world, according to the game’s website. Based on the results of a recent North Carolina State University study, it may also help older adults improve their cognitive functioning.

Researchers from the University’s Gains Through Gaming laboratory worked with a group of study participants between the ages of 60 and 77. They first tested these individuals’ cognitive functioning, before members of an experimental group were asked to play WoW on their home computers for approximately 14 hours over a two-week period. A control group did not play at all.

After they had completed their assignment, members of the experimental and control groups were retested. Researchers found that those who had played WoW experienced an increase in cognitive functioning.

"The people who needed it most - those who performed the worst on the initial testing - saw the most improvement," said Jason Allaire, co-author of a paper on the study.

Based on these findings, older adults who enjoy playing games may want to take an IQ test and see if their hobby is having any impact on their cognitive abilities.