5 Brain-Boosting Activities to Play with Elderly People
Whether your elderly loved one lives with you or on their own, playing brain games with them is a great way to stimulate their minds. Regular brain games activate different memory functions, such as executive function and processing speed, and increase cognitive reserve, helping to combat memory issues and mental decline. Additionally, playing games with others is crucial for connecting with loved ones and preventing loneliness and isolation, which can lead to faster mental decline.
Read on to learn more about the different memory-boosting activities that are perfect for you to play with elderly family members or friends.
Bingo
A traditional game popular with senior citizens, bingo is a highly social activity that enables people to interact with others while using their memory and searching skills by listening to the numbers called and then checking their sheet for the corresponding number. Bingo can be easily replicated in or outside of the home and played with big or small groups of people, letting the whole family get involved in the game.
Chess
Chess is a more complex game that involves logic and strategy and requires individuals to use problem-solving skills that enhance brain use and focus. Seniors who play chess regularly have a lower risk of developing mental conditions like Alzheimer’s and dementia because the game is highly stimulating.
Although the rules can seem complicated at first, with practice, it becomes more straightforward. This game can be played in person or online, ideal for when you are unable to visit your loved one in person.
Jigsaws
Completing a jigsaw puzzle is an excellent way to spend a few hours, as you can chat and search for pieces simultaneously. Puzzles come in grades of difficulty with varying numbers of pieces and endless designs, allowing you to find ones that are challenging but not too difficult for your loved one to complete, which could feel disheartening or overwhelming.
Word Games
Word games like Scrabble, Wordle and Crossword puzzles offer fantastic ways to challenge and stimulate the brain. Engaging in these games regularly helps enhance memory, strengthens problem-solving skills and expands vocabulary, making them both fun and mentally enriching activities for all ages.
Sudoku
Sudoku is a fantastic game for people of any age. This game uses logic to find number patterns to complete a sequence of numbers. With specific rules about how numbers must be lined up, logic and problem-solving skills are required to find the right answers. This challenging game is highly satisfying and leaves individuals with a sense of accomplishment while helping them use these problem-solving skills in their everyday lives.
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