Try these 5 games in your old age to have fun

5 games for engaging seniors and having fun

As you grow older, your physical capacity may change. You may not be able to perform certain activities due to existing physical conditions like back pain, joint pain, fatigue, etc. Similarly, your mental health takes a toll and you may find yourself thinking negative thoughts, staying isolated and losing interest in doing things. 

At a young age, you may catch up with your friends and family for meetups or to play some games, but, can you do the same thing in your old age? Playing games can do more than help you socialise, like improving your memory and cognitive skills. Want to know some fun games for your later life? Read on!

Engagement for Seniors

As an older adult, your social life may have slowed down with minimum interactions with people. However, research suggests that being engaged as a senior leads to better physical and mental health. Being socially engaged is strongly linked to improved brain function as we get older. 

You can promote healthy ageing by engaging in social and other enjoyable activities. Games are a great way to interact with friends, family and the senior community where seniors like you can come together to play fun games. Games for old age can promote cognitive, social and emotional benefits to all. 

Benefits of playing games for seniors

Games, especially brain games, provide benefits like

➔Providing a workout to your mind and enhancing your cognitive functions
➔Helping you socialize and avoid isolation by engaging with the community and stimulating multiple cognitive systems at the same time
➔Creating hope and optimism for seniors, especially for those who are retired or are dealing with illness
➔Forming new brain connections

5 fun games for elderly people

1.Passing the parcel - A parcel, usually a ball or a pillow is passed between a group of friends while music is played. Once the music stops, the person holding the parcel is out. 
2.Card games - Many types of card games are popular among older adults. You can play bridge which helps to keep your brain sharp. You can also try card games like rummy, not-at-home and UNO.

Image courtesy: Pixabay

3.Board games -   Board games are played on tables without the need for electronics. They are thus referred to as "unplugged games." Playing board games can also help develop memory and improve cognitive function. When compared to other game genres, board games give players real-life experiences that boost the desire to participate and encourage higher-order thinking. Examples of board games are chess, monopoly, scrabble and bingo.
4.Puzzles - Solving a puzzle is probably the most exciting game that anyone can play. They are like brain teasers. You can try crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, or even Sudoku. Attempting a crossword puzzle requires you to use verbal memory as you look for words that fit descriptive phrases with a specific number of matching letters. Jigsaw puzzles, no matter how simple or complex, allow players to exercise their "visual-spatial working memory" abilities by identifying and recalling which pieces fit into spaces with similar shapes.
5.Digital games - According to a University of York study, older adults' memory and concentration can be enhanced by playing digital puzzle games. Numerous online brain games are available on a subscription basis. Usually, elements like words, numbers, colours and shapes are found in these games with a time limit that makes them engaging and fun. Video games too are beneficial. These days even seniors can be seen engrossed in their mobiles. Many gaming applications and online games can easily be played by seniors on their mobiles. Examples include Solitaire and Candy Crush.

Conclusion:

The rising age of an individual may lead to isolation and reduced social engagement. Being engaged has many benefits like improved health and brain function. Games can serve as a good way to engage seniors and help them utilise their brain power while engaging with the community. As a senior, you can play different games like chess, Sudoku, bingo, rummy, video games, and so on. Don’t let old age stop you from having fun. After all, age is just a number! Want to learn more about caring for and managing seniors in your family? Check out our article on senior care here 
https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/caring-managing-seniors-family-healthy-wrinkles-private-limited/?trackingId=R6BjGta0YsL7EpzrFW%2FLlA%3D%3D

Whether you are searching for informative articles, or looking for listings of senior care service providers, Healthy Wrinkles is an excellent resource for all your senior care needs. We also have a great compilation of all the medical expert talks for healthy ageing on the Healthy Wrinkle YouTube channel.
 
Disclaimer: Healthy Wrinkles does not recommend or offer any medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice. The information provided here is only for the awareness of disease or ailment among individuals, caregivers, and the public‌. The advice of doctors, licensed professionals, or therapists who are knowledgeable about your particular situation should always be sought before using the information provided here. It should also not be used in the event of a medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. If you want urgent assistance, contact a qualified medical professional.

References:

1.Are you engaged? From https://www.cdc.gov/aging/publications/features/social-engagement-aging.html#:~:text=Research%20has%20shown%20that%20for,it%20is%20good%20for%20you!
2.Participating in Activities You Enjoy As You Age from https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/healthy-aging/participating-activities-you-enjoy-you-age
3.Squire K, Wells G, Anderson-Coto MJ, Steinkuehler C. Casual Games, Cognition, and Play Across the Lifespan: A Critical Synthesis. ACM Games: Research and Practice. 2023.
4.Engaging in digital puzzle games could potentially benefit memory functions among older adults: Study from https://www.hindustantimes.com/lifestyle/health/engaging-in-digital-puzzle-games-could-potentially-benefit-memory-functions-among-older-adults-study-101692179727779.html
5.6 Brain Exercises For Seniors To Try from https://www.forbes.com/health/healthy-aging/brain-exercises/

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