Brain games are not just for children, adults can also enjoy these games. Memory board games for seniors can prevent Alzheimer’s. Each of us may forget things. Not all seniors suffer from memory loss, but in general, the likelihood of forgetfulness in seniors increases with age. Most seniors remember the past well, but they forget events that have happened recently. Board Games for Seniors also increase the ability to concentrate, make decisions, speed of thought processing and analytical ability and strengthen the memory of seniors.
Just as we need to do regular physical activities and exercise to keep our bodies in shape, we also need to do exercises to keep our brains active. Puzzles and brain games are an important part of activities that can serve as a mental exercise and reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia. In the following article from humanhealthmag, we introduce some brain games suitable for the elderly.
Why Is Memory Enhancement Important for the Elderly?
In order to take the discussion of memory enhancement for the elderly more seriously, we need to talk more about the importance of this issue. Alzheimer’s makes it impossible for a person to remember anything. When memory begins to decline, we forget most of our daily activities. Unfortunately, many elderly people cause serious harm to themselves or financial losses due to forgetfulness. For example, did you know that if an elderly person with forgetfulness does not notice turning off a gas flame, there is a possibility of a fire?
On the other hand, when the memory of the elderly declines, they suffer from a lack of self-confidence. over time, they feel hopeless, and this increases the severity of their forgetfulness. Therefore, in order to maintain the physical and mental health of the elderly, we must pay attention to the issue of memory enhancement in them. One of the best things to do to enhance the memory of the elderly is to play memory board games that are great for seniors.
Introducing Memory Board Games for Seniors
In this section, we are going to introduce some of the best memory board games for seniors. These games are as follows:
- Scrabble game: In the Scrabble game, players must create a meaningful 2- to 7-letter word with letters that are randomly drawn from a bag. This game is excellent for increasing brain power and can improve the vocabulary of the elderly. If the elderly has Parkinson’s disease or has hand tremors and vision problems, you can use large-sized Scrabble boards.
- Solitaire game: Solitaire game is a type of card game that can also be played individually. This game helps the brain of the elderly to understand the patterns of the game and strengthen their memory. Starting the game may be a bit complicated for beginners, but after playing this game a few times, it will become one of the popular games. The goal of this game is to create a sequence of seven cards that will be in descending order, in fact, the arrangement should be done from the king and queen to the lower cards.
- Checkers: It is a classic game that is fun for all ages, especially for the elderly. This game is very easy to learn and is useful for greater hand-eye coordination. The checkers board is like a chessboard with white and black houses. Each player places 12 pieces in three rows on the black houses. The goal of the game is to remove all of the opponent’s pieces from the game. The movement of each piece is diagonal and forward. The first player to capture all of the opponent’s pieces wins.
- Crossword Puzzle: Crossword puzzles are a great game to challenge the mind and remember words. This game is available both in print and online. According to research, seniors who regularly do crossword puzzles have a greater ability to concentrate on daily activities and have higher executive function and memory than other seniors.
Benefits Of Memory Board Games for Seniors
Memory board games like brain card games for seniors can help reduce stress and anxiety as a relaxing and fun activity. On the other hand, brain games for seniors can stimulate brain activity and help improve cognitive function and increase concentration. Playing brain games that require problem solving and creative thinking can enhance the creativity of seniors.
Many brain games require recalling information and solving problems, which can help strengthen memory and cognition. Success in solving problems and challenges in brain games increases self-confidence and a sense of vitality in seniors. Many brain games are played in groups, which can increase social interaction among seniors and prevent feelings of loneliness. Considering the benefits of brain games for seniors and the impact of board games on middle-aged people, it is better to know the different types of brain games for seniors.
4 Models of the Best Brain Games for Seniors
Memory board games for seniors should be able to meet their needs and abilities while being challenging and fun. Even games should have simple and clear rules so that seniors can easily learn them and enjoy the game. Hence, some of the best brain games for seniors include:
1- Puzzles
Choosing and buying various types of puzzles is recommended as one of the best brain games for seniors. Because puzzles strengthen problem-solving skills, concentration, memory, and logical thinking in seniors. While solving puzzles, seniors must carefully connect the puzzle pieces together, which increases their concentration and accuracy. Using eyes and hands to place puzzle pieces in the right place strengthens eye-hand coordination. Success in solving puzzles increases self-confidence and creates a sense of success in seniors.
2- Table
Another intellectual game for the elderly is the crossword puzzle. Because searching for words in the puzzle strengthens cognitive skills such as attention, concentration, reasoning and memory in the elderly. During the game, the elderly become familiar with new words, which leads to an increase in their vocabulary. Crossword puzzles can be played competitively between the elderly, which increases their excitement and motivation. Even success in finding words increases self-confidence and a sense of success in the elderly.
3- Bingo (Debrana)
Buying and choosing bingo (Debrana) can also be another very suitable intellectual game for the elderly. During the bingo game, the elderly must listen carefully to the announced numbers and find them on their cards. This strengthens cognitive skills such as concentration, memory and attention.
4- Chess
The game of chess requires the use of cognitive skills such as strategizing, predicting, analyzing and making decisions. Therefore, chess strengthens these skills in the elderly. Chess requires high concentration and memorization of numerous moves and positions. This strengthens the concentration and memory of the elderly. To win at chess, the elderly must use reasoning and problem-solving skills, which in turn improves these skills in them.
Concluding Remarks
Memory board games for seniors have positive effects on middle-aged and elderly people. These games are not only fun, but also help improve cognitive function, strengthen memory, increase creativity, and improve social interactions. Choosing the right games based on individual interests and abilities can have a positive impact on the lives of this age group.
Seniors have a wide range of abilities and limitations. Some may have memory problems, while others may have mobility or vision problems. On the other hand, the interests and tastes of seniors differ from each other and some of them may not be interested in certain games. Some suitable games may not be easily available or have a high cost. However, there are many options for purchasing brain games for seniors. You can get the best brain games by visiting online stores.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Types Of Brain Games Are Best For Seniors And Why?
Brain games that are best for middle-aged and elderly people should have features that both stimulate the mind and provide enjoyment and entertainment. Some of these features include simplicity in rules, the ability to play individually or in groups, and matching the level of mental and physical abilities of people.
Can Brain Games Prevent Alzheimer’s In the Elderly?
Research has shown that mental activities can help reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia. Brain games can help delay the onset of Alzheimer’s symptoms by stimulating the brain and strengthening neural connections. These games keep the brain active and prevent mental decline. Of course, it should be noted that brain games cannot completely prevent Alzheimer’s, but they can reduce the risk and speed of its progression.