As we get older, it’s not uncommon for us to need to exercise our minds to improve memory and mental health. Partaking in games can also give us a stronger sense of independence, improve concentration and boost coordination.
If your loved one is struggling with the idea of getting older, or you notice a change in memory, you could consider adding memory games to their daily routines.
1. Word Puzzles
Word puzzles are an excellent way to get your loved one’s brain stimulated in an entertaining, low-stakes way. It doesn’t matter how long it takes them to complete the puzzle, so they can keep returning to it again and again until they’ve figured it out.
Some of the best word puzzles for seniors to help with memory skills include:
- Word search
- Finish the line
- Crosswords
- Boggle
- Hangman
Several online games can improve cognitive skills, such as:
- Wordle
- NYT Crosswords
- Minute Cryptic
These games refresh daily, so your loved one can always have a new, free memory game at the touch of a button.
2. Trivia Quizzes
Trivia is a wonderful way to share some quality time with your loved one, while having a good laugh about the topics you’re quizzing each other on. There are plenty of trivia questions online or you could make up your own quiz about your family and friends.
Trivia topics to choose from could include:
- Fun facts about the family
- General knowledge
- Your loved one’s interests, such as musicals or history
- TV shows and literature from the past
- Current affairs
Get as many people around as possible and create teams to add a level of competitiveness to the game. Not only will this give your loved one a heightened sense of accomplishment and self-worth, but social interaction can also reduce feelings of loneliness.
3. The Shopping List Game
The shopping list game was originally created for individuals with dementia, but it can benefit all seniors. The game encourages players to participate in active conversation and trigger family reminders.
To play the shopping list game:
- The first player states: “I went to the supermarket and bought *random item*”
- The second player states: “I went to the supermarket and bought *player one’s item*, and *new item*”
- Players continue repeating the items and adding new options to the shopping list until one person can no longer remember the long list
The shopping list game can be played with as many people as you like, but sticking with a small group may make it easier on your loved one. Brain training games like this can help improve memory by challenging cognitive function.
4. Suduko
Sudoku puzzles are an excellent way to keep seniors’ brains active and stimulated, improving logical thinking skills and mental agility. Sudoku is a popular game for the older generation as it encourages them to use parts of their brain that they may not use as regularly in later life.
It’s also a popular option, as many older adults already know the rules of the game. You can find Sudoku puzzle books online or at local supermarkets, and there are also dedicated online games and brain training apps that can be accessed through your loved one’s phone.
5. Chess
Chess is another timeless game that many older adults know the rules to, or at least have a basic understanding of. This beloved board game focuses on strategy, strengthening logical reasoning and problem-solving.
Many worry that chess is too complicated for their loved ones, but learning the rules and continuous practice can promote several benefits, such as an increased IQ and stronger focus. Chess can be played with family and friends on a physical board or online.
6. Jigsaw Puzzles
Jigsaw puzzles are another great way to stimulate the mind without overcomplicating things. While they may seem basic to some, jigsaw puzzles can provide plenty of benefits to older adults, such as slower breathing rates that reduce anxiety and lower blood pressure.
Jigsaws can also be an effective distraction to slow a busy mind, so they may be helpful if your loved one is worried about their health, well-being, or life changes. You can complete a puzzle together, which also provides the benefits of social interaction.
7. The Serving Tray Game
The serving tray game is a fun activity designed to boost short-term memory, which is usually the part of our memory that is most affected by ageing. Engaging in this game regularly can help stimulate the brain and provide a sense of achievement when they win.
Setting up the serving tray game is simple:
- Lay out a tray, or make one from a blanket or table
- Choose a few random objects from around the house and place them on your tray
- Let your loved one look at the items for a few seconds, then cover them
- Encourage them to remember all of the objects that were on the tray
There are several ways you can enhance this game to make it more personalised or meaningful. For example, you could include items such as their wedding photo album, mementoes from their favourite holidays, or children’s toys.
Talk with your loved one about each item once they’ve correctly remembered it. They’ll be able to recall their memories and fondly reminisce about the past, and you’ll be able to spend quality time with them as you get to know them better.
You could also make a memory box to achieve similar results.
8. Bingo
Bingo is a fan favourite among older adults, and for good reason. It’s an enjoyable game with lots of social interaction and friendly competition. Aside from being a fun game that people of all ages can play, bingo has been shown to stimulate several key senses.
These include:
- Sight: Your loved one will need to quickly find the numbers on the bingo card to win.
- Hearing: They’ll need to listen intently to the numbers being called out.
- Touch: They can improve their fine motor skills by using a pen or marker to dab out the called numbers on their card.
Bingo can reduce feelings of loneliness, especially when playing at a local club. Look for local bingo halls where you can take your loved one for a friendly game, or community buildings that host games at the same time each week.
9. Snap / Card Matching
Card matching games can be played together or individually, improving memory and recall skills.
To play card matching, the rules are:
- Lay several cards on the table
- Take turns flipping two cards over
- If the cards match, keep them flipped over and have another go finding another matching pair
- If the cards don’t match, turn them back over and move on to the next player’s turn
- The winner is determined by who finds the most matching pairs
Snap is very similar, but you’ll split the cards into two piles and take turns placing a card in the discard pile. When you see a matching pair, the first person to call snap wins. The winner will be the person who finishes the game holding all the cards.
10. Solitaire
Card games like solitaire help to keep the brain busy and stimulated, which can improve memory, cognitive function and concentration. Solitaire is one of the most popular card games in the world, and is often played online for free. However, you can also play in person if your loved one prefers to move the cards themselves.
Solitaire is a slow-paced game that is usually played individually, so there’s no pressure put on your loved one to complete the game. They can take their time, stimulate their minds for longer, and still get a sense of accomplishment after completing the board.
Talk to us today
At Trinity Homecare, our ultimate goal is to enrich your lifestyle in the comfort and familiarity of your own home. This allows you to live the independent lifestyle that you love without the daunting thought of moving into a care home. We are here to support you with various forms of live-in care.
Call us now on 0207 183 4884 in confidence for a free, no obligation quotation. If enquiring outside of our opening hours, please complete our online form and we will contact you the next day.
