Playtime Is Not Just for Kids - Fun Games for Elders
Games are not just for children. No matter how childish they may seem to you, they are a great way to engage your elders, bring them pleasant emotions and more. With age, certain physical and mental functions begin to degrade, and people start to experience some age-related conditions such as limited mobility and dementia. Most games can stimulate the brain and improve a person’s memory, which in turn improves overall brain function. But in addition to improving cognitive functions, games also have a social element. Gathering with other people not only allows the elderly person to socialize, but also prevents the feelings of isolation and loneliness that are becoming more common among the aging population.
Puzzles
Playing with and solving puzzles can be extremely relaxing and fun, not to mention bring a great sense of accomplishment once they are completed. Arranging a puzzle promotes relaxation and relieves stress. What is more, it keeps the brain active and is extremely beneficial for people with problems such as dementia. Puzzles require the involvement of both the logical and the creative sides of the brain, which means that puzzles stimulate both hemispheres of the brain. This in turn improves short-term memory and even visual memory and recognition.
Cards
When it comes to variety, you can’t go wrong if you go with a deck of cards. Rummy, Solitaire, War, Go Fish and thousands of other games can be played with just a deck or two of cards. In addition, you can easily find games for two players or more. According to the American National Institute on Aging, card games not only help with socialization, but also improve memory and concentration. What is more, most card games require some speed and attention, which in turn improves motor and sensory functions.
Sudoku
Solving Sudoku is a great way to stimulate logical thinking and mental abilities. Sudoku is a recommended game for elders, as it encourages them to use different parts of the brain that may not be stimulated enough in everyday life. In addition, a successfully solved sudoku can make a senior feel a great sense of accomplishment.
Chess/Backgammon
Chess is considered one of the most difficult games due to its strategic nature, but it has many benefits. Chess greatly improves memory and concentration. There are studies that show that older people who often play games such as chess can significantly reduce the risk of dementia and other memory problems caused by ageing. And if you are not a fan of chess, you can always go with the easier, but no less fun alternative – Backgammon.
Board games
This will not be an article for games for elders if we do not mention the classic Bingo. Bingo is usually played in nursing homes or retirement clubs but can also be adapted for home use. It is a fun and easy game which stimulates hearing, vision and memory. Let’s not forget that this is a highly social game which will definitely reduce the feeling of loneliness and increase the general well-being of the elder.
Bingo
This will not be an article for games for elders if we do not mention the classic Bingo. Bingo is usually played in nursing homes or retirement clubs but can also be adapted for home use. It is a fun and easy game which stimulates hearing, vision and memory. Let’s not forget that this is a highly social game which will definitely reduce the feeling of loneliness and increase the general well-being of the elder.
Mobile and online games
With the development of new technologies, many things in life have changed and games are no exception. Even before the pandemic began, many board game developers launched their games online. But it’s not just modern games, all kinds of classic games can be found as mobile applications or online versions. In addition, the skills that an adult will acquire to be able to play games on a tablet or laptop will be extremely useful in everyday life.
Keeping the mind active in old age is extremely important. As you can see, there are many ways and games to do so – from classic to online games for one or more players. Moreover, games help significantly reduce the negative effects of some unpleasant diseases caused by ageing. Studies show that a person needs only 5 minutes a day for some brain-stimulating game to significantly improve their mental and emotional state.
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