Grab the board games from the top of your cabinet and get them out. Indoor games are a great way to keep seniors’ minds active and healthy. You get more than entertainment. There are many health and mental benefits to playing games like ping pong, chess, air hockey and other indoor games. It keeps your mind active, young, and entertained all at once.
Take a look at these amazing health benefits and perhaps you will be inspired to try some of the suggestions below.
Indoor Games Health Benefits
1) Creates happiness, reduces stress
There is always laughter when playing a game. Seniors can stay happy and healthy by laughing together.
2) A chance to socialize/ spend time together
As we grow up, it is easy to forget that our parents are also growing older. Family members often have different schedules that push us in different directions. Even if you only have a few minutes to play a game with your loved ones, it is a great way to spend quality time together. It may seem insignificant to us, but it is a gift that will last a lifetime.
3) Memory formation, cognitive skills
Board games and indoor games can help us practice important cognitive skills and increase the brain’s ability to think and remember complex things. In order to help the brain build and retain cognitive connections well into old age, creative indoor games are a great way.
4) Reduces the risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
Seniors can keep their minds active and engaged by exercising and strengthening their brains. A strong brain is less likely to lose its power, which reduces the chance of cognitive decline such as that associated with dementia or Alzheimer’s.
5) Lower blood pressure
Laughter is a natural way to produce endorphins, a chemical that gives you the feeling of happiness. It also helps blood circulation and muscles relax which in turn will lower blood pressure.
6) Improves immune system
Positive thoughts and feelings, such as the joy and laughter that comes from playing board or card games, can increase immunity and release chemicals that combat stress.
7) Therapy (coordination, dexterity)
Fine motor skills are required to move or pick up pieces in many board games. This requires both coordination and dexterity. It is important for seniors to practice their skills regularly and engage in activities.
Indoor Games Ideas
1. Card Games
Bridge, pinochle and rummy are all card games. It can help with memory loss and stimulate the brain. Card games are great for those with limited mobility. Card games can be played indoors, so you can sit on your couch or in your chair while playing. You can also play card games via your smartphone, tablet, or computer. Card games have similar benefits to indoor games. They improve cognitive stimulation and relieve stress. These are some of the most popular card games among seniors.
Pinochle – An card game that is very popular with the elderly. There are many versions.
Bridge – This card game helps keep your mind sharp.
Rummy – Rummy is a popular game that can be played with up to three people. Invite your friends to play Rummy with you.
Canasta – A hit indoor game since the 1950s.
Solitaire – Solitaire is a popular choice for all generations. It comes in many interesting variants.
Cribbage – This indoor game is popular because it comes with membership clubs.
Big Two is a competitive card game. Be prepared to bring your friends along to the battleground.
Chinese Poker– An entertaining game with variations that use 13 cards and is divided into three poker-style hand.
2. Tennis Ball Race
You don’t have to play tennis. This game requires good hand-eye coordination and muscle strength. This game doesn’t require you to use racquets. You can also play table tennis game for fun with kids and seniors without getting any injury. You just need to bring ping pong table and start playing.
3. Board Games
Board games such as scrabble and Ludo can be enjoyed by seniors. This can be a great way to relive childhood memories. It is a wonderful way to meet other seniors and share sweet memories.
Scramble – Two or more players can play this tiled word game to test each other’s vocabulary.
Backgammon is a popular indoor game that can be played by two or more people.
Ludo is the name of almost all indoor games. It is best played with at least two players. This increases the likelihood of your friends calling you a “cheater”.
GO – A popular indoor game in Asia. It’s similar to Othello or Reversi.
Chess – A timeless classic from the entire list indoor games. As you get older, you become better at it.
Chinese Checkers – This indoor game is great for six players and provides a lot of excitement.
Hive – A simple game that can be understood and played on any flat surface.
Trivial Pursuit — Be prepared to test your memory, knowledge and sharpness. It can be played in six different categories.
4. Puzzle (Solo) Games
Puzzles can be fun with any age, whether you are young or old. Indoor games can only be used to improve the brain’s problem solving abilities and maintain mental agility for many years.
Crossword Puzzle Grab your newspaper or purchase crossword puzzles to help you relax. This game helps you to improve your vocabulary and language skills.
Candy Crush– Senior citizens love phone games such as candy crush saga.
Sudoku – A number-based puzzle game that is found in all magazines and newspapers.
Word Juggling – Filled with brain teasers, word mazes are always a fun indoor game to pass your time.
Word Search Puzzles – You can play online or on paper with pen and paper, but it’s an indoor game that will keep you busy.
Jigsaw Puzzles – While jigsaw puzzles can be confusing at first, they are easy to understand once the pieces are correctly placed. Jigsaw games are great mind games for seniors.
5. Mahjong
Tile matching is the goal of this game. Players simply find matching tiles and then remove them in pairs.
6. My suitcase (memory-game)
One person lists an object, the next person must repeat the names, then add their own.
7. What is That Saying?
There are hundreds of well-known sayings included in this game. To figure them out, players are given clue words. You can be the first one to correctly guess the saying!
8. Reminiscing
Share with family and friends the most memorable moments, favorite holidays, best advice, best advice given, funny moment, favourite memory, etc.
9. Guess the song
One person plays songs, shares lyrics or gives clues, and the rest of the group guess what song it is.
10. Computer Games
Online games have become a popular choice for older adults. More than 100 websites offer brain-boosting games online to help improve memory and mental well-being for the elderly. Online games can be found easily, are quick to use, and are fun to spend hours playing.
11. Crossword Puzzles
Spellathon, Make Words, Tell a Story, and many other word games are also available.
Some other peaceful and brain-boosting indoor games
1. Pictionary
Playing Pictionary with friends is a great way to have fun. You just need to see what your friends are drawing. You will receive two erasable markers and boards to draw.
2. Bingo
It is a simple indoor game that’s fun and easy to play. You will need to have a small or large circle of friends, depending on how much you want to tolerate. You can invite your friends to play with you, or in parks and daycare centres for older adults. Bingo stimulates the mind and makes you happy. It also has many health benefits for adults.
Bingo, like indoor games, stimulates three senses, hearing, touch, and sight. Bingo is great for socialization, which reduces loneliness and improves your quality of life.
3. Art and Craft
Art can be a very therapeutic experience for anyone of any age. It’s a great way for older adults to relive childhood memories and use their imaginations by creating or making things. You can also use your creativity to create cute/artistic items for your home or gifts to family and friends. It doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated. Art and crafts can be enjoyed for many years. Ideas: Make greeting cards with magazines or knit items to send your grandchildren.
4. Apps for Brain Training Online
You can use various brain training apps on your smartphone or tablet that train the brain, as well as elderly people. These apps can be used to improve visual-spatial skills, concentration, and problem-solving ability.
There are many paid and free apps available online. These range from simple word-connection games to more complicated games and activities. You can simply answer the question from the comfort of your own home. NeuroNation and Fit Brains Trainer are two well-known brain-training apps.
When it comes to play, there is no “age-appropriate“. Play is an essential part of every age’s life.
