It’s normal for aging to have effects on the brain. However, a number of studies suggest that certain activities, like brain games, may be effective in boosting memory and improving cognitive health, which can be particularly beneficial for aging adults.
In this blog, we’ll share our top 20 brain games for seniors and offer practical tips about how to add brain-boosting activities to your daily routine. Whether you are looking for a new game to switch things up or seeking a meaningful activity for someone you love, we’ve got something for you!
Why Seniors Should Play Brain Games
Brain games for seniors often require concentration and thinking, making them an excellent way to keep your mind sharper for longer.
Let’s take a closer look at why they can be especially useful for older adults:
- Promote Independence: Cognitive decline may sometimes develop into memory conditions. Numerous studies have shown that regularly enjoying brain games may help maintain or even strengthen important skills such as concentration, attention, and focus, all of which are important for supporting independence as we age.
- Slow Down Cognitive Decline: In addition to boosting brain power, regularly playing memory games may help delay the onset of cognitive decline. If your loved one has an early-stage memory condition, adding brain games to their routine may help slow the progression of symptoms.
- Encourage Socialization: Spending time with others is important, particularly as we grow older. However, it’s normal for our social circles to shrink over the years. While there are plenty of enjoyable solo options, many senior memory games are best played in group settings, which offer plenty of opportunities to connect with others.
- Entertainment: Brain games for seniors, especially when enjoyed with friends and loved ones, can be a fantastic pastime for older adults, particularly those who live alone or have difficulty leaving the house.
Engaging Brain Games for Seniors
If you’re considering adding brain games to your routine, it’s important to find options that are both enjoyable and challenging. However, with numerous memory exercises for seniors to choose from, it can be challenging to pick the perfect game for yourself or someone you love.
Here’s our list of 20 of the best brain games for seniors:
Classic Social Games
If you love to play with others, classic social brain games offer a good mix of fun and interaction, as well as many important cognitive benefits. Here are some excellent options to try:
1. Scrabble
To play Scrabble, each player takes turns making words on the game board using letter tiles. You start by drawing seven random tiles. On your turn, you create a word using your tiles and place it on the board, connecting it to other words already played. Each letter has a point value, and the goal is to make high-scoring words. After each turn, you draw new tiles to keep seven on your rack. The game ends when all tiles are used or no more words can be made. The player with the highest total score wins.
2. Rummikub
To play Rummikub, each player starts with 14 tiles. The goal is to be the first to get rid of all of your tiles by making sets or runs. A set is three or four tiles with the same number in different colors. A run is three or more numbers in a row that are the same color. On your turn, you place your tiles on the table to make these groups. You can also move and rearrange the tiles already on the table to help play your own tiles. The game ends when one player uses all their tiles.
3. Dominoes
To play Dominoes, each player starts with a few rectangular tiles, called dominoes, which have dots on each end. Players take turns matching one end of their tile to a tile already on the table with the same number of dots. For example, if there’s a tile with a four showing, you need to place a tile with four dots. The goal is to get rid of all your tiles first. The player who finishes their tiles first, or has the fewest dots left when no more moves can be made, wins the game!
4. Bingo
In Bingo, each player gets a card with a grid of numbers. A caller oversees the game and randomly draws numbers and announces them. If you have that number on your card, you mark it. The goal is to complete a specific pattern on your card, like a full row, column, or diagonal. When you do, shout “Bingo!” to win the game.
Solo Brain Games
While social games are popular for many, there are also plenty of options you can enjoy solo, including:
5. Crossword Puzzles
Crossword puzzles are a fun way to test your word knowledge and support thinking and recall skills. To play, start by reading the clues for both the across and down words. Each clue gives you a hint about the word you need to fill in. Crosswords can often be found in newspapers, books, or even online.
6. Sudoku
Sudoku is played on a 9×9 grid divided into smaller 3×3 squares. The goal is to fill in the grid with numbers from one to nine, making sure each row, column, and 3×3 square contains all the numbers without repeating.
Start by looking for rows, columns, or squares that are nearly complete, then slowly work your way through the puzzle. You can find Sudoku puzzles in newspapers, magazines, and online.
7. Jigsaw Puzzles
Jigsaw puzzles are a fun and engaging way to spend time while boosting focus and problem-solving skills. Start by sorting the pieces by color or edge pieces, then build the outer border first. From there, fill in the middle by matching shapes and images. You can find puzzles online at Amazon or in stores like Walmart. There are also plenty of puzzle apps if you prefer digital play.
8. Solitaire
Solitaire is a classic single-player card game where the goal is to move all cards to four foundation piles, sorted by suit and in ascending order from Ace to King. The game begins with seven stacks of cards, with only the top card of each stack visible. Players move cards by arranging them in descending order and alternating colors (e.g., red six on black seven). Cards can also be drawn from a deck to help with gameplay. Solitaire can be played with physical cards or digitally on your computer, smartphone, or online.
Creative Brain Activities
These activities gently challenge you to express yourself, helping you stay mentally sharp in the process. Some great options include:
9. Music Matching Games
Music matching games are a fun and interactive way to practice listening and mental recall. The goal is to listen to short clips and match them to the correct song, artist, or genre. Some games have you click on the correct title or identify different instruments. You can find these games on websites like Sporcle or apps like SongPop.
10. Doodle Challenges
Doodle challenges involve drawing something based on a prompt, often with a time limit or fun rules. You’ll find these challenges through apps like Anima Color and Doodle Art.
11. Creative Writing Games
Creative writing games give you a word, sentence, or image as a starting point to create a short story, poem, or dialogue. Some versions challenge you to write a story in six words or pick up where someone else left off. Fun options are available on websites like Languageisavirus.com or through writing apps.
Digital and Interactive Games
For tech-savvy seniors, there are many digital games that help you train your brain on the go. Here are a few great ones:
12. Lumosity
Lumosity is a brain-training app with a range of fun activities designed to support memory, focus, and problem-solving. After taking a short Fit Test, you’ll get a custom training plan. The app includes over 50 games and adjusts to your skill level as you progress. You can use the free version or subscribe for more features.
13. BrainHQ
BrainHQ was created by neuroscientists to support attention, memory, and processing speed. It includes two dozen exercises grouped into categories like Attention, Brain Speed, Memory, People Skills, and Navigation. It’s available on iOS, Android, and web browsers, with both free and paid options.
14. Wordle
In Wordle, you get six chances to guess a five-letter word. After each guess, the tiles change color. Green means the letter is right and in the correct spot, yellow means it’s in the word but in the wrong place, and gray means it’s not in the word. You can find Wordle on many websites, notably the New York Times.
Memory-Boosting Games
These games are designed to strengthen recall skills, which is especially helpful for seniors with mild cognitive impairments, like early-stage dementia. Games often involve remembering patterns, matching items, or solving puzzles.
15. Matching Card Games
Matching games are great for sharpening focus and supporting thinking skills. Concentration is a classic version where you flip over two cards at a time, trying to find matching pairs. It’s especially helpful for seniors facing memory challenges and can be played with regular cards, themed decks, or on a phone or tablet.
16. Simon Says
Simon Says is a fun game that improves attention and listening. One person gives commands like “Simon says pretend you’re flying,” and players follow only if the phrase begins with “Simon says.” If not, players stay still. This fun twist helps everyone stay alert!
Group and Community Engagement Games
These types of brain games are typically enjoyed in a small group setting, like a cozy game night with friends or a fun family gathering.
Here are a few options to try:
17. Counting Game
To play the Counting Game, players stand in a circle and count to a certain number in no particular order. Everyone starts by saying “One,” with each person calling out a different number. The goal is to reach the target number without repeating any numbers or interrupting each other.
18. Trivia
Trivia can be played with a host or with trivia cards. Players take turns answering questions or play in teams. Try including topics everyone enjoys, like music, history, or pop culture, to keep it lighthearted and fun.
19. Charades
Charades encourages creative thinking and social bonding. One person acts out a word or phrase without speaking, and others guess what it is. It’s great for all ages and works well in group settings.
20. Spelling Bees
In a spelling bee, one person says a word and another spells it out loud. It’s a cheerful way to support language and recall skills. You can adjust the difficulty based on comfort level, making it a friendly and encouraging experience.
How to Incorporate Brain Games Into Your Routine
Like most healthy habits, it’s important to regularly play brain games to enjoy their full benefits. Here are a few practical strategies to help you fit them into your routine:
- Morning Ritual: If mornings work well for you, try starting your day with a quick puzzle or riddle to wake up your brain.
- Evening Wind-Down: Instead of watching TV before bed, consider filling out a crossword or number puzzle to help you relax and unwind.
- Brain Game Apps: There are many apps designed specifically to give your brain a workout. For example, Lumosity offers a wide selection of brain-healthy activities aimed at enhancing memory, reasoning, and problem-solving skills. It also includes a reminder feature to help you stay consistent with your daily brain exercises.
- Social Game Night: Like many things, cognitive games for seniors can be even more enjoyable when shared with friends and loved ones. Try hosting a game night over a great selection of board games, trivia, or cards.
- Utilize Waiting Times: You don’t need to spend hours playing to benefit from brain teasers for seniors. Even short sessions can be incredibly beneficial for your brain health. For example, you can use waiting times, like at the doctor’s office or bus stop, to do a quick puzzle or open a brain game app.
- Integrate with Hobbies: Seniors are more likely to enjoy brain games that tie into their interests. If you love cooking, try food-themed trivia like “Guess the Food” or adapt a word puzzle around favorite recipes or ingredients.
- Lunch Break Brain Teaser: Lunch breaks are a great time to squeeze in a quick mental challenge. Taking just five minutes for a brain teaser can help keep your mind sharp without interrupting your routine.
- Puzzle Station: Consider setting up a small table with puzzles, trivia books, or activity sheets. Having a variety of brain games for seniors on hand can make it more convenient to dip in and out throughout the day.
- Theme Days: You can also try adding theme days like “Trivia Tuesday” or “Word Game Wednesday” to keep things interesting and give yourself something to look forward to.
Senior Living With StoryPoint Group Communities
At StoryPoint Group communities, supporting your cognitive health is just as important as meeting your physical and social needs. Whether it’s through brain games, engaging conversations, or mentally stimulating activities, we create daily opportunities to keep minds active and spirits high.
From crossword puzzles and trivia nights to memory-boosting games and creative programs, our goal is to help you make the most of every day — your way. To learn more about life with us or just to say hello, feel free to contact us or give us a call at 1-844-275-9990.
