There’s a story at Google News about pensioners in Japan visiting game arcades.

It seems that arcades are the new social hub for a selection of the older generation, who have plenty of time and money on their hands. Japan’s population is getting older all the time, with long life-expectancy and a low birth-rate, so it’s not really surprising that the balance of pensioners in all sectors is growing. Currently, around 25% of the population is over 65, and that could reach 40% in the next 40-or-so years.

The arcades are seen as a way to keep the mind and hands active and healthy, as well as being a place to meet with others.