I’m not old enough for you (57), though I’ve been gaming for a good 40 years.
My mom played casual games like solitaire and puzzle games for years, but didn’t take up online gaming until she was 76. (I was a bad influence.) She got bored when my dad died, and it helped to fill the silence. She wasn’t very social online. I think because the whole notion of online communications was just alien to her. Also, she didn’t have much attention to spare for text chat.
We played together every week on Sundays. Since we lived 3000 miles apart, it was a fun way for us to spend some time together.
Sadly, she passed away in 2017, so I can’t hook you up for an interview, but you’re welcome to ask questions if you feel it would be helpful.