If you are a senior, or you have a senior in your life, you probably are aware that entertainment can be limited at times.
You probably have noticed that stimulating your mind and getting excited about fun things can be difficult, especially if you or a loved one have a hard time moving around.
As seniors age, it’s common that they lose interest in things that they used to find joy in, such as playing a sport or traveling. This is often simply due to age and lack of ability to do the things they want because of an illness or mobility issue.
As you search for ways to entertain yourself or a loved one, it’s worth your while to consider games that you can play in the comfort of your own home. This post will give you some game recommendations that are popular amongst the senior community.
Entertainment for the Elderly
It’s important to keep seniors entertained in order to preserve their minds.
An expert from an in-home senior care service pointed out that games are one of the best ways to keep seniors entertained because it doesn’t require them to move around too much, which many seniors struggle with.
Likewise, games are a good way for seniors to interact with family, friends, or in-home care providers. Here are the top 5 games for aging adults.
1. Monopoly
Seniors typically enjoy this game a lot because they grew up playing it.
Monopoly often acts as a form of nostalgia for seniors and since they grew up playing it, they don’t have to learn anything new.
This boardwalk inspired game allows seniors to buy fake property and bankrupt their opponents. Monopoly can go on for hours as the game takes a variety of twists and turns.
Monopoly is a great way for seniors to connect with family members and friends since it requires multiple players. Likewise, this game is easy to understand if one of the younger family members has never played before.
>> Learn about other fun versions of Monopoly to play.
2. Scrabble
Another classic game, Scrabble is very popular amongst the older crowd because it is easy to understand and play, as well as a game seniors probably grew up playing.
Besides scrabble being a fun game for seniors to pass their time with friends and family, it also will keep their mind sharp. Scrabble will challenge seniors to use their vocabulary and think hard in order to win the game.
Scrabble will also improve a senior’s cognitive skills and abilities. Scrabble is a great game for seniors to play in the comfort of their own homes; perhaps with a significant other as Scrabble can be played with one other player.
>> Check out more types of word puzzles to stay sharp
3. Card Games
Card games are a fantastic way for seniors to spend their leisure time.
There are a variety of different games that seniors can play with cards that can be played with as little as one player, or with his or her entire family. Some popular card games that seniors should learn how to play are:
Card games will keep seniors entertained for hours and is another fantastic way for seniors to interact with other people, especially other seniors since card games are so popular for their age group.
4. Candy Crush on Nintendo Switch
Seniors that enjoy video games and have access to a Nintendo switch should consider installing Candy Crush.
Candy Crush is a video game that requires players to place three of a kind colors next to each other in a certain amount of time or with a fixed number of moves.
This is another game that is not only entertaining, but it will also improve a senior’s cognitive ability by making them think reasonably and quickly in order to win the game.
Candy Crush, or any game that is played on the Nintendo Switch is a great option for aging adults.
Technology such as the Nintendo Switch allows for people to play games by themselves; this is beneficial if a senior does not live with anyone else. Similarly, video games that are played on TV’s are enlarged, making it easier for seniors to see.
5. Words with Friends
This game is pretty much an updated and technology-based Scrabble.
Employing the same concept of trying to make words with certain letters in order to gain points, Words With Friends can be played on a senior’s mobile device, computer, or tablet.
This game will keep a senior’s mind sharp as he or she makes virtual words and does not require seniors to have a person with them to play.
Stay Entertained in Your Golden Years
Whether you are a senior yourself, or you have a senior that you are close to in your life, make it a point to try to stay entertained or entertain your loved one.
Entertainment is something that people of all ages look forward to and will improve the quality of his or her life. Consider some of these game ideas if you or a loved one are looking for simple games that can be played right at home.
About the Author
Kelsey Simpson enjoys writing about things that can help others. She lives in South Jersey and is the proud companion to two German Shepherds and spends her free time volunteering in dog shelters.
