The brain naturally ages, just as the body ages. Despite occasional forgetfulness, which is a normal part of aging, seniors can exercise their brains to slow down the aging process and promote cognitive health. Online games are accessible, fun and mentally stimulating—which promotes brain health in seniors.
Playing online games challenges many parts of the aging brain. Seniors can play online games every day, and many individuals may already be participating. Brain games include crossword puzzles, memory games and word searches. The senior requires just interest in and access to technology to benefit from brain games.
Older adults might prefer to play the online games on a computer, smartphone or tablet. The game of choice should be challenging yet not too difficult. For people with dementia, a tough game may be impossible to complete. Start at beginner levels and move on to advanced ones.
Prior to starting, be aware that some online games require a monthly fee. Extras, like personalized training programs and support, are included in these paid games. Seniors are also encouraged to pick games that pique their interest and avoid ones that fail to excite them.
Three Popular Social Games
Depression is less likely to occur in seniors who participate in games that require multiple players. The social aspect of these types of online games reduces social isolation. Remember that mental stress is associated with loneliness and isolation. Plus, social activity promotes an active and fulfilling life.
1. Mahjong
Seniors boost brain health and alleviate loneliness by playing online games, like Mahjong. Played often in Asian countries, Mahjong is a straightforward tile-matching game. AARP offers numerous versions of Mahjong online. Any of the ten online game options will suit seniors’ individual preferences.
AARPs Mahjong variations include Mahjong Solitaire, Mahjong: Age of Alchemy, Mahjong Dark Dimensions, Mahjong Toy Chest – Classic Edition and Holiday Mahjong Dimensions. The AARP website where these games are played showcases the top scores earned by game participants, adding a fun and competitive element!
Mahjong is thought to help seniors with dementia. Players improve their planning, memory and calculation skills. Cognitive ability is enhanced. As seniors advance in the popular online game of Mahjong, they also improve their abilities to recall and find items.
2. Scrabble
Scrabble is ideal for seniors who love a word challenge. Older players work their brains to piece together letters and form words. Seniors can play with competitors from all over the globe. Tracking scores pushes seniors to perform mental math. Scrabble may be played for free on sites like Pogo.
3. Chess
Another stimulating online game renowned all over the world is chess. The game may be short or long, easy or challenging, offering seniors variations every time they play. Seniors stay social by playing with experienced chess masters or finding beginners with whom to compete.
Seniors use both sides of their brain to strategize in games of chess, and engage in critical thinking and analysis. Short- and long-term memory are built. In fact, senior chess players experience stimulation of all parts of their brain. Chess may be played online at Chess.com.
Five Fun Cognitive Games
1. Jigsaw Puzzles
Complicated jigsaw puzzles stimulate the brain and allow seniors to pass the time while having fun. Jigsaw puzzles are no longer relegated to the table. Seniors can piece together jigsaw puzzles online. Each puzzle in TheJigsawPuzzles.com contains 1,000 pieces that seniors can zoom in upon.
While assembling a jigsaw puzzle on a laptop, tablet or smartphone, seniors improve their cognitive functioning. Memory improvement is an outcome. Seniors exercise their visual perception and recognition as they piece together the puzzles. In fact, both sides of the brain get a workout.
2. Treasure Hunt
Memory skills are sharpened with online games, like Treasure Hunt. This game features a pirate theme, perfect for seniors with a love for adventure. Seniors earn virtual gold coins as they successfully remember the correct items found in each of the pirate ship’s rooms.
3. Daily Word Search
New word puzzles are introduced every day in the online game Daily Word Search. Seniors may elect to play at beginner or advanced tiers, making the game suitable for every skill level. The classic word search is available to seniors online for free.
4. Checkers
Checkers is a classic game that can also be played online. The pieces are uniform, and the game requires less strategic thinking. Still, checkers players must think ahead and anticipate their opponent’s next move. Seniors may choose from among various levels of difficulty.
5. Solitaire
The best list of online games for seniors would be incomplete without mentioning Solitaire, considered by some to be the most popular card game of all. Seniors who play Solitaire train their brains to recognize patterns. As a result, older players’ memories get a workout.
Brain health is crucial to a high quality of life. Staying mentally active is as important as being physically active. Protect your elderly loved one’s wellbeing by hiring a professional caregiver from Assisting Hands Home Care. We ensure our care recipients are mentally challenged on a daily basis.
Companion caregivers from Assisting Hands Home Care take time to have conversations with seniors in our care. We also play games, like puzzles and card games, to stimulate their minds. Our efforts to socialize prevent senior isolation and loneliness—two factors that adversely impact brain health.
In addition to our companionship services, Assisting Hands Home Care providers offer assistance with the activities of daily living. We help seniors with bathing, grooming and dressing. Shopping for groceries and preparing nutritious meals are also a part of our caregivers’ responsibilities.
Professional caregivers from our reputable home care agency remind seniors to take their medications on schedule. We provide transportation, such as to the senior center, where they have opportunities to engage in social interactions and stave off depression and stress.
Assisting Hands Home Care services are non-medical yet comprehensive. We support elderly individuals in the routines of daily life. Families living in the surrounding communities of Downers Grove, Hinsdale, and La Grange Illinois, turn to Assisting Hands for reliable and compassionate companion care and dementia home care services.
