The benefits of playing games as we age
Playing games benefits us throughout our lives, helping to keep our brains sharp and improve our overall health. According to The National Institutes of Health, board games and other types of games can also be effective in combating dementia and slow the onset of Alzheimer’s disease—diseases which affect at least 24 million people worldwide.
A 2006 study found that brain function improved when seniors regularly engaged in activities related to memory, reasoning and mental speed. Simple and stimulating mental exercise and playing games once a week for a 20-year period reduced the risk of dementia by seven percent.
The benefits of play can also make a noticeable difference in a short period of time. In addition to improving brain function, games also help to combat social isolation, which can become common in older adults. Games give people new ways to interact and enable us to connect, share stories and develop meaningful relationships.
What are the benefits of playing games?
There are many different types of games that provide a host of important benefits including:
- Preventing boredom
- Improving mental health
- Keeping the brain active
- Boosting memory and concentration
- Nurturing imagination and creativity
- Relieving stress
- Encouraging socializing and bonding
- Improving mood and wellbeing
What types of games provide the most benefits?
From board games to card games and even video games-take a look at some ideas to engage your sense of play while strengthening the mind.
Board Games
Playing board games typically requires two or more players, making it a social and bonding activity. Board games can help slow cognitive decline and reduce depression. They are also gentle on the joints, allowing individuals with limited mobility to participate. These games are suitable for seniors as they are well-known, frequently played, and easily accessible. Reviewing the rules of a familiar game can be simpler than learning a new one.
- Scrabble
- Chess and checkers
- Monopoly
Card Games
If it seems that cards have been around forever, you’re right! Cards and card games have been around since the 9th century. What could be more convenient than carrying a deck of cards and initiating a game? Some games to play with friends include:
- Gin Rummy
- Poker
- Hearts
Dice Games
Perhaps the oldest type of game in the history of humankind are games with dice. Did you know that a set of dice was excavated in Iran that date back to 3,000 BC? Combining chance and skill, some of the more popular dice games are:
- Yahtzee
- Liar’s Dice
- Bunco
Memory Games
The most entertaining games often involve our own memories.
- Pub Trivia – A pub quiz is an enjoyable way to test your memory skills in groups. Categories like sports, history, and literature are a fun and challenging way to keep your memory sharp.
- Name That Tune
Video and Online Games
Although video games are popular among younger generations, there are many older adults who enjoy video games, too. Video games can be played on computers, tablets, game consoles and even smartphones. Some games and apps to look into are:
- Lumosity. Available on mobile phones, this app has a wide array of games that focus on brain training. There are logic and number puzzles as well as memory and problem-solving puzzles.
- Candy Crush is a phone app that challenges players to match together pieces of colorful candy to reach goals within set time limits or number of moves.
- Nintendo Switch video games are accessible and designed for anyone to pick up and play intuitively. A Switch module that connects to the TV and a controller are all that are needed. One of the best games for seniors is 1-2 Switch. In this game, players are directed to look at each other while they play, not a TV screen. There are a variety of fun activities to accomplish during the game.
- Animal Crossing is a social simulation video game in which you move to a new village and meet its animal residents, complete small challenges and furnish your own home by buying and selling materials.
- Civilization. In this video game, players build an empire using diplomacy and warfare to become the most successful ruler.
So life can be all fun and games for seniors! Now where did you put your monopoly game?
Wesley communities offer a full spectrum of options for aging well in the Puget Sound area. Visit our communities in Washington State in Des Moines, Auburn, Puyallup and Bonney Lake.