Exercise should be fun. Whether sculpting the body or working to boost brain health, it’s vital to find activities that are as enjoyable as they are beneficial. As we age, it’s important to maintain our cognitive abilities as well as our physical fitness. Regular mental exercise goes a long way toward keeping the brain firing on all cylinders.
In other words, when it comes to brain health for seniors, we need to use it or lose it.
Games are some of the best ways to boost brain health and keep memory skills sharp. There are tons of brain games, including memory improvement games, that help active adults stay sharp and focused. Here are just a few of the many games popular in our Overture senior living communities:
Chess
The combination of strategy and creative thinking makes chess a great mental workout. It’s easy to play on your computer, but consider playing in person for the bonus of social interaction.
Mah Jongg
Mah Jongg is the perfect game for stimulating your memory. You can learn by downloading the Real MahJongg app on your phone, computer, or iPad, then find three other enthusiasts and enjoy an afternoon or evening of socializing, tiles, and concentration.
Word Games
Word searches, the daily crossword, or a fun game of Scrabble provide excellent practice for word retrieval, a skill that sometimes becomes rusty with age. Play the games in the daily newspaper, or order crossword or word-search books to have puzzles on hand whenever you want. Look for the seniors’ puzzle books featuring larger print.
If you’d rather boost brain health virtually, download the popular Words with Friends app and play on your smartphone anytime, anywhere.
Jigsaw Puzzles
Jigsaws are a great way to boost brain health for seniors, as they engage both memory and problem-solving skills and help maintain fine motor skills. Jigsaws come in all shapes and sizes, so you can choose the complexity level you’re comfortable with. If you are new to the genre, start small and work your way up!
Sudoku
Join the ranks of devotees who don’t leave home without their Sudoku books. Alternate this numbers puzzle with word games to balance your brain efforts. Enjoy the puzzle in the daily newspaper, buy a book with puzzles designed for players of your level, or download a Sudoku app on your phone.
Deal Yourself In
Card games are an excellent way to boost brain health and improve focus, memory, and overall cognition. You can play individual games like solitaire on the computer, or organize a card game at your next social event. These days, you can play with loved ones even if you are in different locations by downloading apps like Canasta Junction, Social Bridge, Online Cardzmania, and TableTopia. Once the game is going, set up a Zoom call or FaceTime call so you can chat as you play.
Challenge your mind with any of the games on this list, find another that inspires you, or sit down and read a book. It doesn’t matter what type of mental exercise you choose, as long as you find an activity that gets the wheels turning. It’s the thoughts that count! When you live in one of our Overture senior living communities, there’s always plenty to keep you active and engaged!