Last Updated on May 27, 2022 by Maria James
As people age, their mental and physical health suffers a lot. With the development in the medical field, seniors can manage most of their health issues. But old age also comes with several challenges. When you see your loved ones struggling in their life, it breaks your heart. Including exercise in their routine can address health problems to an extent. Seniors can overcome their mental issues by including brain games. What games should they play? Read ahead to know more.
Benefits of Introducing Games for Seniors
Playing games may keep the mind active and healthy, and it also provides entertainment to seniors. When they play games with people of their age, they feel happy. It can prevent isolation and encourage social interaction. Here are some of the benefits why you need to urge your elderly loved ones to play games:
May Lower Stress
Old age can bring a barrage of issues like involuntary urine leakage. It can lead to unnecessary discomfort and stress in their life. In such cases, they can consider using bed pads to prevent incontinence. Such diapers also allow senior people to have a good time with others without worrying about their problems. This means seniors can play games without worrying about bathroom breaks which may help them have a good time.
Can Provide an Opportunity to Socialize
You may have a busy schedule. It can prevent you from spending quality time with your parents or grandparents. As they grow older, they like to have someone to talk to and share their feelings. Playing games can allow socialization with others. It may seem like the perfect way to spend time with other people. Such quality time can seem like a priceless gift to the elderly.
May Enhance Memory and Cognitive Skills
The indoor games may boost the brain parts linked to complex thoughts and memory formation. You can play creative indoor games to help the brain build and retain cognitive function in old age.
Can Reduce Risk of Developing Dementia and Alzheimer’s
Old age can increase the risk of suffering from neurodegenerative diseases. Keeping the mind engaged by playing games may lower the risk. Games can stimulate and engage the brain and can make the brain stronger. Hence, it can reduce the risk associated with cognitive decline.
May Lower Blood Pressure
Enjoying games can make seniors laugh. Laughing aids in producing endorphins which refer to the chemical that may provide a feeling of happiness. It can help with the relaxation of muscles. Hence, it may boost blood circulation and lower blood pressure.
Can Improve Immune System
Board or card games can lead to positive thoughts and feelings, and such games allow them to have a great time. These positive thoughts tend to improve immunity due to the release of chemicals. These chemicals can help fight stress and boost the immune system.
May Enhance Dexterity and Coordination
To play board games, you may need fine motor skills. Seniors need to move or pick up the pieces fast. These actions require coordination and hand dexterity. Playing such games can improve the basic skills the elderly needs to possess.
- Top Games Elderly Can Enjoy
Card Games
Board Games
Board games may engage seniors as it offers them a nostalgic pleasure as they can share their sweet memories with other players. Also, board games may benefit brain health, improve memory power and lower the risk of age-related ailments. It can prove helpful due to brain stimulation via the colors, letters, or numbers used in board games. Some of the games you can include scrabble, ludo, and backgammon.
Puzzle Games
If there are no people to play with, seniors can choose solo puzzles. Such games offer fun and excitement. These games may boost their problem-solving abilities. Hence, it can prove beneficial for seniors to enhance their mental agility. You can try crossword puzzles, sudoku, and candy crush.
In My Suitcase
It is a memory game where one person lists the objects inside a suitcase. Then, the next person must repeat all the names and add their list to the existing ones. It is a fun and exciting game your loved ones can try.
Reminiscing
Reminiscing refers to the brain-stimulating game your elders can enjoy. It includes sharing and recollecting their memories of favorite events in their life. This game may promote social interaction and can also stimulate their brain.
Conclusion
Playing games entertains children and adults alike. It is the best stress-relieving activity that engages your loved ones. It is an activity everyone has to practice to get physical and mental benefits. So, encourage your seniors who stay at home to play such games as it may help them overcome loneliness. It can also offer several other benefits like fine motor skills and sharper memory for living a high-quality life.
