Brain Games to Keep Seniors Active and Healthy: The Power Of Mental Exercise
Reading Time: 7 minutes
Are you worried about your cognitive function as you age?
If so, you’re not alone! Recent studies have indicated that most people fear dementia more than any other illness. But do you know that there are natural approaches you can take to limit your risks?
As time passes by, we have to take utmost care of our health. Most especially once we reach an advanced age. This not only pertains to our physical health, but it also includes our mental health.
Just like physical exercises can help keep the body active and fit, mental exercises can help keep the brain keen and sharp. Brain games provide proactive steps to keep your brain healthy. They also help improve your memory and daily performance - whether you are an executive in a high-demand field, a student looking to gain a competitive advantage, or at an advanced age looking to live the rest of your years with vitality. [1]
Because our health span is different (and arguably more important) than our life span, let’s take a look at some games and exercises that can help sharpen the mind to improve the quality of your life. What’s even better is that these exercises can help people of all ages, especially seniors.
1. Chess
This game tests tactical skill, the sharpness of wit, and keen foresight. These benefits make chess one of the classic brain games for youth and seniors alike - and it shows! Chess is certainly an enjoyable game for all ages. It offers rules that one can quickly learn yet takes time (in many cases years of practice) to master.
It can test a person’s creative thinking and how they use strategy to their advantage. It says much when you also see this as a sport played worldwide.
You can play chess with anyone anywhere. You may choose to play this game with a friend or with a stranger at a park. This could also open up avenues for social interaction.
I recall the first time I was introduced to the game… I was working in a high school as an educational assistant. Part of my duties involved supervising a multi-purpose learning centre at lunch where kids could drop in to complete homework, receive assistance, or hang out and play chess. When no one needed my support, I’d sit by and watch the intense chess games being played. Over time, I learned how to play by observing the game and asking the occasional question. To this day, the skills I gathered about how to play the game are still with me - and yes, I can still win even though I only pick up a board and play on rare occasions.
If you live alone or don’t have a chess set, digital versions of the game are readily available on sites such as chess.com.
2. Word Puzzles
You can find various word puzzles in books, newspapers, and even in digital form through multiple apps and websites. Among the most popular types, word search and crossword puzzles test your knowledge of vocabulary and memory. In other cases, they also test your perception and your logical thinking.
The good thing about these word puzzles is that you can find them in various print media. There are books dedicated to these puzzles. In addition, magazines and newspapers have a puzzle section that includes crossword puzzles and other mind games.
And, for the more tech-savvy individual, you can also find these word puzzles online. This makes word puzzles accessible and free in a virtual sense.
3. Concentration
The game of Concentration is a classic - played by almost every child in every country! But it’s not just for kids! Concentration comes in many forms and goes by many names such as Pairs, Match Match, and so on. It tests your memory and how well you can remember. The interesting part about playing this game is how versatile it is.
To play Concentration, you can use a regular deck of playing cards or specific cards designed for the game. You can play this alone as a leisurely activity to keep your memory skills sharp, or you can play with someone else in a more competitive manner.
Another good thing about this game is that it also has numerous variations. Even digital versions that use Mahjong tiles lend well to the simple rules behind Concentration. Give it a shot and play it alone or with friends.
4. Card Games
Did you know that there are also card games that you can play to exercise your brain? These card games work well as brain exercises while you play with friends. Let us look at some of them.
For something that tests your concentration and visual memory, a game of Blackjack can work in your favour. It helps test your mind as you count up the values of your hand.
Poker also works great as a game that you can bring your family and loved ones together with as a fun activity. Whether you use the rules for Texas Hold’em or 5 Card Draw, you always have a way to test both your ability to bluff and how you time your hand.
Solitaire is another fun card game that tests your visual memory as you play its rules. It works well as a great brain exercise and as a fun way to organize your playing cards.
For something a little simpler when playing with others, like your grandkids, you can play something like Go Fish. And on the opposite side of the spectrum, you can test your “hand” with Bridge, Aces, Hearts, or other more adult-oriented forms of card games. Whatever your choice, your brain will thank you for it!
5. Jigsaw Puzzles
Working on a jigsaw puzzle is an excellent senior brain game as much as it is a game that anyone can try. Jigsaw puzzles come in many variants and styles and are available for purchase just about anywhere. You can even buy them in dollar stores or at garage sales at a reduced cost. For anyone who’s tried assembling a jigsaw puzzle, they can attest to how it can be a full-on brain exercise that tests strategy and problem-solving skills.
Jigsaw puzzles measure the level of complexity by the number of pieces involved, the shapes of individual pieces, the colours used (or not used), and the actual shape of the completed puzzle itself. More straightforward puzzles start with a few dozen pieces, while more challenging ones consist of monochromatic pieces.
If you want an even bigger challenge, you can crank the pieces towards the thousands for more complex patterns. Speaking of brain games, you can also read about creating a mindset for better health here.
6. Sudoku
Another classic game that you can try, and one of my all-time favourites, is Sudoku. Maybe I enjoy Sudoku so much because it tests mathematical skills and calculations, making it relevant to me as a former math teacher.
If you are not familiar with Sudoku, it is a logic puzzle that works just as well at exercising your brain as a crossword puzzle would. The only difference is that you use numbers for it rather than letters.
The goal for this game is to fill all the blanks with the correct missing numbers so that the same digits do not repeat within each column, row, and internal square. It’s an interesting game that also comes on many platforms for free - both in dedicated puzzle sections of newspapers and magazines as well as online.
Not only can Sudoku be fun, but it can also improve working memory in older adults - another great reason to give it a try! [2]
7. Scrabble
Scrabble is a fun game for up to four players that tests strategy as well as vocabulary. It also offers new opportunities in learning, where you get to learn a new word each game session. Skilled players can also develop a keen ability to find anagrams amidst a jumble of letters.
8. Video Games
Available on iTunes, Spotify & all major platforms
Video games aren’t just for kids! Studies have shown the benefits of computerized cognitive training with older adults who have mild cognitive impairment or dementia. [3]
Video games come in many variants, with each genre offering a way to exercise both the mind and the body. For example, games such as Tetris help you exercise your spatial visualization and perception. You can also combine this with physical exercise through games like Ring Fit Adventure for the Nintendo Switch.
The problem with video games is there are so many to choose from! When deciding what may be best for you, try to find one that you find interesting or fun. And better still, the best ones to help exercise your brain are ones you can play with others.
Play Brain Games for a Sharp Senior Brain
When you reach advanced ages, you need the right set of brain games to keep your mind sharp and active.
Exercise is the key to a healthy body; this extends to the mind, as well. For best results, make sure to combine regular physical activity and mental exercises with a healthy diet.
In a 2012 study, researchers found a direct correlation between how much cognitive activity people engaged in, like reading the paper or playing chess, and their level of cognitive function a year later. By exercising a certain cognitive function like working memory, we can improve that function. [4]
To make this possible, you need the right food choices for proper neuronutrition. We can show you how through individualized nutrition consultations. You can contact me today to get started. It’s never too late to start!
As always, I welcome your thoughts and value your feedback. So let me know what you think by dropping me a line or commenting below.
Take care of your brain so that it can take care of you!
[Medical Disclaimer]
All information contained in this document is for informational purposes only. It is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent health problems. For all serious health issues, please contact a medical or nutrition practitioner. The information provided is based on the best knowledge of the author at the time of writing, and we do not assume liability for the information, be it direct or indirect, consequential, special exemplary, or other damages. In all circumstances, it is always wise to consult your physician before changing your diet, taking supplements, or starting any exercise or health program.
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