Top 10 Best Games for Seniors
Play is an important part of life, no matter your age. It’s a fun way to pass the time, spend time with friends and family, and keep your mind healthy and sharp.
Whether you enjoy cards, board games, or puzzles, engaging in enjoyable games for seniors can support brain health and foster meaningful social connections.
Why Seniors Should Play Games: Key Benefits
Games do more than bring joy—they can also help support a healthier, more engaged lifestyle. Let’s look at some of the key benefits.
Boosts Focus and Attention
Some of the best games for older adults are the ones that can help strengthen memory, attention span, and decision-making skills.
Supports Long-Term Brain Health
Staying mentally active is essential for long-term health. Games are the perfect way to get your mental stimulation each day while still having fun.
Research shows that engaging the mind can help slow the onset of Alzheimer’s and dementia while also enhancing cognitive function, mental clarity, and memory retention. Games are also helpful for increasing concentration, reasoning, and imagination, especially if your brain is required to learn something new.
Encourages Social Interaction
Whether you’re playing with loved ones or other seniors who live nearby, playing games is a great way to get people together. The more time you spend with others, the more you’ll feel like part of a community. This type of connection is vital for decreasing social isolation and loneliness.
Reduces Stress & Anxiety
Everyone feels stressed sometimes, and playing games can help us feel better. Games make our bodies release endorphins, which are chemicals that make us happy. Endorphins help us feel good overall and can even help ease pain for a little while. In simple terms, playing is a natural way to boost our mood.
Whether you’re looking for a social connection or a boost in your brainpower, let’s dive into some of the best easy games for seniors!
Memory Games for Seniors
Memory games can boost memory and focus while encouraging conversations and creativity. Here are some suggestions to try:
These games are especially beneficial for individuals experiencing memory loss or managing Alzheimer’s or dementia.
Video Games & Mobile Apps
Video games aren’t only for children! You don’t need an expensive or complex gaming system to enjoy playing games. There are many simple and engaging options available that can provide a fun experience for everyone.
A few easy-to-use games include:
- Candy Crush Saga
- Words with Friends
- New York Times Crossword
- Tetris
These games are convenient, engaging, and accessible anywhere.
Puzzle Games for Seniors
Working on a puzzle might not be a game, but it’s still a lot of fun! Puzzles are an excellent indoor activity for winter, and people of all ages can enjoy them together. They’re a wonderful way to reach a common goal and have fun. Additionally, doing puzzles can help improve short-term memory and engage different parts of the brain.
Card Games for Seniors
There are also many different games to be played with a deck of cards. Choose from old favorites like:
- Old Maid
- Go Fish
- Rummy
- Hearts
- War
Or, introduce yourself to a new game or two!
Try planning a game night where everyone brings a deck of cards to play their favorite card game. Before you call friends or family on your ClearCaptions Phone to invite them over, here are a few timeless card games for seniors to consider:
- Pinochle
- Bridge
- Canasta
- Cribbage
- Chinese Poker
- Big Two
- Solitaire
Board Games for Seniors
Whether you’re working in teams or individually, trivia games are a great way to exercise your brain and stay connected with friends and family. Here are a few popular trivia games:
Word Games for Seniors
If you love words, try some of these fun games for seniors. A few favorites include:
- Scrabble: A definite classic—there’s even a giant deluxe version of Scrabble, complete with a rotating board to make it easy for all players to play.
- Boggle: Great on the go or at home, the original 4×4 grid-based version of Boggle is great fun! If you’re looking for an even greater challenge, check out BIG Boggle!
- Bananagrams: This game is like Scrabble without the board, and up to 8 players can play. If the print on the regular tiles is too hard to see, there’s also a larger print on Bananagrams.
Social Games for Seniors
If you want to socialize, consider playing chess! It’s an excellent game that engages the brain and strengthens logical thinking and problem-solving skills. Checkers is another enjoyable game for multiple players. Like chess, regular checkers is a fun game for two people. If you want to include more friends, try Chinese Checkers, which can be played with up to six players.
Whether you’re preparing for holiday parties or a regular game night, there are many delightful card and board games for seniors that everyone can enjoy. What is your family’s favorite game to play together?
