Suitable memory games for seniors include matching games, recall games, pattern recognition games, word games, and visual memory games.
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As we age, our memory naturally starts to decline. However, the good news is, there are memory games for seniors that can help slow down or even reverse this process. These games provide mental stimulation that can strengthen and build new neural pathways in the brain. Studies have shown that exercising the brain can go a long way toward retaining memory.
We will explore the best memory exercises for seniors that are scientifically proven to improve memory, enhance cognitive function, and keep the mind young even into the golden years. The list is specially curated, keeping in mind the dexterity of the elderly.
Memory games have always been the preferred fun activity for kids and teens, they can also have the same effect on seniors. Here are all the ways memory games can benefit seniors:
Numerous free memory games are specifically designed for seniors to enjoy. These games are not just enjoyable but are also beneficial in terms of mental stimulation in old people.
Crossword puzzles are one of the best memory exercises for seniors, as they challenge your brain to figure out the answers. These games are easily available around you in newspapers, and online sites, or you can purchase a separate book that consists of numerous puzzles available in the market.
Solving the crossword puzzle clues can help to recall the vocabulary and the facts related to the specific words. Working on a crossword puzzle daily makes a habit, and scheduling the activity hour for the day helps prevent the feeling of loneliness in old people. Hence, you can try this game at Daily Dictionary and keep up with the highest record.
If you are into some mathematical magic skills at a young age, this Japanese number puzzle game will give you nostalgia and keep you entertained while also boosting your cognitive functioning.
Sudoku can be done online or on paper and requires you to apply logical thinking, hence helping your mind stay sharp. This game is simple and tricky at the same time, as the player is given a 9×9 square box where you need to assemble 1 to 9 numbers across and downwards with no repeats. Hence, you can try this game at Easy Brain.
Chess is a more complex and strategic board game that can boost one’s brain health. However, it requires you to have two players, so this gives you a chance to catch up with a friend over a coffee or online.
You can easily find and play a game of chess online and play on the computer. But if you have an option, we would suggest you buy and play it with a friend or a loved one so you can enjoy the bonus of social interaction. Besides the numerous benefits, this game has been proven to beat Alzheimer’s disease, which is most commonly found in the old age group.
Word searches are a fun way to boost your memory. They provide mental stimulation by having you scan and search for a word in a grid of letters. You can personalize your word search game by getting free printable puzzles online based on topics or themes you enjoy.
Memory lapses can happen at any age, but it is mainly observed in old age people. However, incorporating a word search game routine can help them practice concentration leaving a positive impact on their brain functioning. Hence, the Word Search website has the best collections with different niches.
Puzzles are often used to build problem-solving skills in kids. But as old people are no less sensitive than kids, this game can do wonders for them as well. Jigsaw puzzles are highly engaging mental activities that provide hours of entertainment.
Starting with larger pieces before proceeding to smaller and more intricate cuts takes you to lay down the final piece of the puzzle. Moreover, you can enjoy jigsaw puzzles alone or turn them into a fun and engaging group activity. Hence, you can try playing jigsaw puzzles at Jigsaw Explorer and search for the best among the multiple puzzle options.
Playing trivia quizzes can be a great social activity as you can form teams and add a bit of competitiveness to hype the mood. Such quiz games are a great way to stimulate the mind and memory while encouraging you to socialize.
With the numerous topics available online, you can plan out a schedule accordingly every week and cover most of the general topics like current affairs, general knowledge, movies of their time and more. To play the Trivia quiz, Your Life Choices can be taken into consideration, which doesn’t require any subscriptions.
According to the research by NCBI, Bingo is scientifically proven to improve the mental health of elders if combined with exercises and other games. Bingo is an easy and fun game often played in social circles. It requires participants to stay alert and make quick responses to win the game.
Apart from being a good social activity, it also works well as a memory exercise for seniors, improves hand-eye coordination and decreases the risk of severe mental illness. If you want to play this game online, you can play it at Let’s Play Bingo.
There is an interesting world of online games that include memory booster games, word puzzles, and much more that can easily be played by seniors even if they are not tech-savvy. Research has shown that there are numerous cognitive benefits of playing online games in the older generation.
Engaging seniors in online games is a good way to teach them a few things about the technology so they don’t feel left out. Along with this, enrolling in a video game match can improve hand-eye coordination and overall balance.
Classic card games like rummy, UNO, and poker require memory, logic, and strategy. Playing a few rounds of cards with friends or family members is a great social activity that exercises your brain. If you are tech-savvy, you can also play interactive card games online on your computer, tablet, or smartphone.
The feeling of stress, depression, and loneliness is common. That is why catching up on a round of card games can reduce their stress and loneliness and results in boosting the immune system.
For the days when everything feels overwhelming or when you are not in the mood to indulge in a full-fledged game or activity, simply counting the numerical backwards can be good for senior brain games.
You can make it more interesting by adding more challenges, like doing basic subtraction while counting backwards. For instance, count from 200 but subtract five from every number (like 200, 195, 190, and so on).
Simon says is a classic memory game that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. It challenges players to remember and repeat actions or instructions, making it an excellent cognitive exercise for stimulating brain functioning in seniors. It also encourages seniors to interact and communicate in a social circle.
The proper functioning of the brain and body lessens the possibility of the age related disease in older people. To keep the mind and body healthy, embracing a routine of brain games in seniors with social interactions can do wonders.
Now that we know that memory games have a positive impact on the overall health of older adults. But before enrolling them in such activities, take a look at the tips mentioned below.
Memory games can be some great ways to support the brain and cognitive health of older adults if chosen wisely.
With these fun and engaging memory games, you can exercise your brain, connect with your loved ones, and improve your memory and cognition. It’s never too late to start taking care of your mind. The key is to find activities you enjoy, so it doesn’t feel like a task.
Suitable memory games for seniors include matching games, recall games, pattern recognition games, word games, and visual memory games.
Seniors can benefit from playing memory games regularly, ideally a few times a week or daily for short periods. Through consistency and regular practice, you can reap the maximum cognitive benefits of memory games.
While memory games cannot prevent or cure cognitive decline, they can help delay its onset and mitigate its effects by keeping the brain active and engaged.
Brain training games help older adults perform essential tasks, study finds: https://www.bmj.com/content/351/bmj.h5919
Cognitive benefits of computer games for older adults: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4130645
Effectiveness of games in improving memory among older adults: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9399845