Perhaps you grew up or raised your family with a weekly game night. Everyone would stop what they were doing, gather together and join in the fun. As life got busier and kids moved away, that time together may have become less frequent but not less precious. As a senior, you may find you have more time on your hands. This could be the perfect time to revisit some of those games and add a few new ones to your repertoire. Games are not just for fun, they actually benefit our body and brain as we age.

Benefits of Games for Seniors

Socialization: The most obvious benefit of any game is for enjoyment and social activity. Many assisted living communities host game nights or organize games throughout the week for residents. Group card games, charades, video game tournaments and board games are all a fun way to bring strangers together that could soon become friends.
Improved Moods: Why do we have to stop playing? Recall the hours you could get lost in play as a child without a care in the world. As we age we tend to lose some of that sense of wonder but do we have to? Imagine the fun, the laughter and memories you could experience meeting some neighbors for a good old fashioned game of Monopoly. Your mind will be transported back to childhood while making new memories. Playing, smiling, laughing and remembering are all simple acts that raise endorphins and therefore help to elevate your mood.
Boredom Buster: When we were young and home alone, bored out of our minds, our parents would tell us to “go outside” or “go play.” We probably passed those same words along to our children. Gaming can be a way to either engage with others or enjoy alone. Rainy day and nothing to do? How about a game of Solitaire to cure boredom.
Brain Benefits: Believe it or not, games hold many benefits for the aging person. Depending on the game, they can increase fine motor skills and hand eye coordination, help retain and increase memory, and promote a quicker response in case of an emergency situation. All this the while having fun!

Solo Games ideas for Seniors

Jigsaw puzzle
Sudoku
Solitaire
Crossword Puzzle
Video Games
Word Search

Apps and Online Game Ideas for Seniors

Luminosity
Fit Brains Trainer
Brain Curls
Sharp Brains

There are many other games you could try. The key is finding the activities you enjoy, whether on your own or with a crowd. Time spent enjoying games is not futile or pointless. If your community doesn’t seem to have that bridge club you are looking for, why not start your own? Chances are there is someone who is looking for the same exact thing. Sharing these activities will not only bring you joy, but joy to those around you all while enhancing mood, fighting boredom, enhancing your memory and brain function. So pick up an old favorite or try your hand at something new. Have a blast and play!

At A Banyan Residence, we are always looking for creative ways to keep your loved one engaged and their brain sharp. If you are looking for an assisted living or memory care facility in The Villages, we welcome you to take a tour and learn more.