Fretting about board games for seniors — I got you COVERED!
As we age, staying mentally sharp becomes increasingly essential, so engaging in regular brain exercises such as board games can help keep our cognitive abilities in TOP SHAPE.
Board games offer a fun and social way for seniors to exercise their minds while providing a break from daily routines.
In this article, I’ll explore some of the best board games for seniors that are entertaining and beneficial for their mental health…
Table of Contents
Key Takeaways
- Board games can provide cognitive stimulation and help maintain cognitive function in seniors.
- Board games can help reduce stress and anxiety while providing opportunities for social interaction and engagement.
- When choosing board games for seniors, it’s HANDY to consider simplicity, game length, large print and easy-to-read instructions, and multiplayer options.
10 Fun Board Games for Seniors
1. Scrabble
Scrabble is a classic board game that has stood the test of time — It’s an excellent way for seniors to improve their vocabulary and spelling while providing a fun and competitive challenge.
This game is perfect for two or more players, making it an excellent choice for seniors who want to spend time with family and friends.
Here’s how to play scrabble:
If you’re looking for fun and engaging craft ideas to bring joy and stimulation to seniors in nursing homes, this video is a wonderful resource full of creative and entertaining projects:
2. Chess
Chess is another classic game that is fun and highly beneficial for mental health.
Playing chess requires strategic thinking and problem-solving skills, which can help keep the mind sharp. It’s also a great way to socialize and develop new friendships.
Chess is an excellent choice for seniors who enjoy more challenging games:
3. Bingo
Bingo is a simple and fun game for seniors of all ages. It’s an excellent way to socialize and meet new people, making it a popular choice in senior living communities.
Bingo also helps to improve hand-eye coordination, attention to detail, and memory skills.
4. Jigsaw Puzzles
Jigsaw puzzles are an excellent way for seniors to improve their problem-solving skills while providing a sense of accomplishment.
Completing a puzzle can be a relaxing and rewarding experience, making it an excellent activity for seniors who want to unwind and take a break from their daily routines.
Expert-Level Tips for Doing a Jigsaw Puzzle:
5. Backgammon
Backgammon is a strategic game that requires players to think several moves ahead.
It’s an excellent way to improve cognitive abilities such as problem-solving, decision-making, and spatial awareness.
Backgammon can be played by two players, making it an excellent game for seniors to play with friends and family.
Beginner Tutorial: How To Play Backgammon:
6. Bridge
Bridge is a social game that is popular among seniors. It requires players to use critical thinking, memory, and problem-solving skills to win.
Bridge can be played with two or more players, making it an excellent way to socialize and develop new friendships:
7. Checkers
Checkers is a classic game that is easy to learn but challenging to master. It’s an excellent way to improve cognitive abilities such as memory, problem-solving, and decision-making.
Checkers can be played with two players, making it an excellent game for seniors to play with friends and family:
8. Mahjong
Mahjong is a tile-based game that originated in China. It requires players to use strategic thinking and problem-solving skills to win.
Mahjong can be played with two or more players, making it an excellent way for seniors to socialize and meet new people.
9. Rummikub
Rummikub is a tile-based game that is similar to the card game rummy. It requires players to use critical thinking and problem-solving skills to win.
Rummikub can be played with two or more players, making it an excellent way for seniors to socialize and develop new friendships:
10. Trivial Pursuit
Trivial Pursuit is a fun and challenging game requiring players to answer various categories of trivia questions.
It’s an excellent way for seniors to improve their knowledge and memory skills while providing a fun and competitive challenge.
Trivial Pursuit can be played with two or more players, making it an excellent choice for seniors who want to spend time with family and friends.
Looking for fun and engaging activities for your elderly loved ones? Check out our articles on “Games to Play with Old People,” “Indoor Games for Elderly in Nursing Homes,” and “One Person Games for Seniors” for a variety of game ideas that are sure to keep seniors entertained and mentally active.
If video games are more their style, be sure to read our article on “Nintendo Switch Games for Seniors” for some game recommendations that are easy to pick up and play. For seniors with Parkinson’s, our article on “Crafts for Seniors Who Have Parkinson’s” provides easy and enjoyable craft ideas that can help maintain dexterity and fine motor skills. Don’t let age or physical limitations stop your loved ones from having fun and staying active!
Senior-Friendly Board Games: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing and Playing Games
Playing board games can provide mental stimulation and help maintain cognitive function in seniors.
It can also reduce stress and anxiety while providing opportunities for engaging and being part of a community.
The magic of board games for seniors
When selecting board games for seniors, it’s essential to consider FACTORS — simplicity, game length, large print, and easy-to-read instructions, as well as multiplayer options.
Some of the most popular board games for seniors include Scrabble, Chess, Bingo, Jigsaw Puzzles, Backgammon, Bridge, Checkers, Mahjong, Rummikub, and Trivial Pursuit.
Each of these games offers unique benefits, such as improving their sense of words, problem-solving skills, memory, and decision-making abilities.
In addition to the mental benefits of playing board games, seniors can also experience a sense of accomplishment, increase self-esteem, and improve overall well-being.
It’s no wonder that these games are a popular choice in senior living communities and among families looking for fun and engaging activities for their loved ones.
Picking your board game
Choose games that are appropriate for their cognitive level, and make sure the game is not too challenging.
Ultimately, the goal is to provide an enjoyable and stimulating experience that keeps their brain active and promotes community.
Whether you’re an elderly person looking for the perfect game to play with friends and family or a caregiver seeking to keep your loved one mentally sharp, this guide has got you covered.
If you’re the visual type, feel free to watch this brilliant YouTube video on picking a great game for seniors:
What are the benefits of playing board games for seniors?
Did you know that playing games have a direct correlation to performance abilities?
Here’s what Emeritus Professor Paul Ernest has to say about the importance of games in the classroom (1):
“Games generate enthusiasm, excitement, total involvement and enjoyment.”
“But how can seniors benefit from playing games in the classroom?” Let me tell you, the benefits of games extend beyond age and can enhance cognitive function and overall well-being.
Playing board games can benefit seniors, including promoting cognitive health, reducing stress and anxiety, fostering social interaction, and providing entertainment and fun.
Board games can help seniors exercise their memory, attention, and problem-solving skills, benefiting those with age-related cognitive decline (2).
Board games can also provide a sense of accomplishment, increase self-esteem, and improve overall well-being.
What criteria should I consider when choosing board games for seniors?
When choosing board games for seniors, it’s important to consider simplicity, game length, large print and easy-to-read instructions, and multiplayer options.
Seniors may have difficulty with complex or lengthy games, so choosing games that are easy to learn and play is best.
Games with large print and clear instructions are also important, as many seniors may have a vision or hearing impairments.
Can board games help seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease?
Yes, board games can help seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
Board games can provide cognitive stimulation, which can help maintain cognitive function and slow the progression of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease.
However, it’s important to choose games appropriate for the individual’s abilities and interests and provide support and guidance as needed.
Criteria for Choosing Board Games for Seniors:
1. Simplicity
When choosing board games for seniors, it’s important to consider simplicity.
Seniors may have difficulty with complex or lengthy games, so choosing games that are easy to learn and play is best.
Simple games can still be engaging and entertaining while also providing cognitive stimulation.
2. Game Length
The game’s length is also important when choosing board games for seniors. Games that are too long may become tiring or overwhelming, while shorter games can be more manageable and enjoyable.
It’s important to choose games that can be played reasonably, allowing seniors to stay engaged and interested.
3. Large Print and Easy-to-Read Instructions
Many seniors may have a vision or hearing impairments, so choosing games with large print and clear instructions is essential.
This can help ensure that seniors can see and understand the game components and rules, allowing them to play and enjoy the game without difficulty.
4. Multiplayer Options
Board games that offer multiplayer options can be particularly beneficial for seniors.
Multiplayer games provide opportunities for mutual interaction, allowing seniors to play and enjoy the game with family and friends.
This can help reduce loneliness and isolation while providing community and belonging.
In summary, when choosing board games for seniors, it’s important to consider simplicity, game length, large print and easy-to-read instructions, and multiplayer options.
By selecting games appropriate for seniors’ abilities and interests, you can help ensure they enjoy and benefit from playing board games.
FAQs
1. What are the best board games for seniors?
Some of the best board games for seniors include Scrabble, Chess, Checkers, Monopoly, Yahtzee, Sequence, Trivial Pursuit, and Cribbage.
2. What is the easiest board game to play?
The easiest board game to play can vary depending on personal preference and skill level, but some popular options for beginners include Snakes and Ladders, Checkers, and Connect Four.
3. What is the most fun board game of all time?
The most fun board game of all time is subjective and can vary based on personal preferences. However, popular choices include Monopoly, Scrabble, and Settlers of Catan.
4. How do games help the elderly?
Games can help the elderly by providing cognitive stimulation, improving memory, promoting social interaction, and reducing the risk of depression and anxiety.
They can also enhance dexterity, fine motor skills, and overall well-being.
Conclusion
Board games for seniors do exist, and they’re MAGNETIC.
These little joys can be a great way for seniors to stay mentally sharp, socially engaged, and entertained.
By choosing games that are appropriate for their abilities and interests, seniors will gain the following:
They will enjoy the many benefits of playing board games, including cognitive stimulation, reduced stress and anxiety, and opportunities for social interaction.
Whether playing alone or with others, board games provide a fun and engaging way for seniors to pass the time and improve their overall well-being.
Until next time…
Resources
1. Ernest P. Games. A Rationale for Their Use in the Teaching of Mathematics in School. Mathematics in School [Internet]. 1986 [cited 2023 Feb 25];15:2–5. Available from: https://www.jstor.org/stable/30216298?searchText=board%20games%20benefits&searchUri=%2Faction%2FdoBasicSearch%3FQuery%3Dboard%2Bgames%2Bbenefits&ab_segments=0%2Fbasic_search_gsv2%2Fcontrol&refreqid=fastly-default%3A52fd668527fefdbfcc7ee4474123cc72
2. Balagam I. 10 Puzzles and Games to Give Your Brain a Workout [Internet]. Healthline. 2021. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/mental-health/games-and-puzzles-to-exercise-your-brain#why-it-matters
