When you’re looking to have some fun while visiting your loved one, there’s plenty of ideas for games to play with seniors. Games bring a special kind of joy for family members of all ages. Especially for the elderly, games are more than just a pastime; they offer a sense of purpose, mental stimulation, and are a wonderful way to connect and keep groups of people engaged. It doesn’t matter how simple the game is, as long as it brings excitement and laughter, games will brighten their day, bring back old memories and create new moments where the elderly feel included and valued – as long as no one cheats! If you’d like some tips on the best type of games for older people, we’ve done the hard work and compiled a list for you, along with the benefits that come with these good-time games for seniors to play.
Classic Board Games To Play With Elderly People
Classic board games hold a special place in our hearts, offering more than just entertainment; they’re a bridge across generations, creating cherished memories and fostering meaningful connections. Bringing out any of the old classic family board games for the elderly, is sure to bring back plenty of memories or ignite some friendly new competition.
Examples of these types of games to play with seniors:
- Form words, strategies, and score points with Scrabble.
- Buy properties and build an empire with Monopoly.
- Plot moves and capture opponents with a game of Chess or Checkers.
Benefits of these games for older people:
- Vocabulary: Games like Scrabble help enhance vocabulary by challenging players to create words from random letters.
- Strategic Thinking: Chess and Monopoly require players to plan their moves carefully, fostering strategic thinking.
- Concentration: Staying focused throughout the game helps improve attention span.
- Problem Solving: These games often present complex situations that require thoughtful solutions, enhancing problem-solving skills.
Card Games To Play With Elderly People
Card games are often simple yet engaging, offering plenty of opportunity for social interaction, strategic thinking, and fun. They are easy to learn, adaptable to various skill levels, and perfect for any occasion, making them an ideal choice for keeping minds sharp and spirits high. Card games for elderly family members are not only entertaining, but they might just surprise you with a few tricks up their sleeves!
Examples of these types of games to play with seniors:
- Bridge is a strategic card game involving bidding, playing hands, and scoring points with a partner.
- Rummy is a card game where players draw and discard cards to form sets and sequences.
- Go Fish is a simple card game where players ask each other for cards to match pairs and collect sets, and it’s a wonderful way to play with the grandkids.
Benefits of these games for older people:
- Social Interaction: Card games are typically played with multiple players, encouraging social engagement and bonding.
- Strategic Planning: Games like Bridge and Rummy require strategic planning and foresight.
- Memory: Remembering the rules and strategies boosts memory.
- Simplicity and Fun: Many card games are simple to learn and play, making them enjoyable for all ages – young and old!
Word and Puzzle Games To Play With Elderly People
Word and puzzle games for seniors to play are more than just entertaining; they offer valuable mental stimulation, helping to keep the mind sharp and agile, bringing a sense of accomplishment and joy with each solved puzzle or discovered word. Engaging in word and puzzle games together also provides a fantastic opportunity for bonding, as you share in the delight of solving problems and celebrating small victories.
Examples of these types of games to play with seniors:
- Sitting down with a challenging crossword puzzle.
- Finding hidden words in a word search.
- Solving a complex sudoku.
Benefits of these games for older people:
- Vocabulary: Crossword puzzles and word searches help improve vocabulary.
- Problem Solving: Sudoku and crosswords enhance problem-solving abilities by requiring logical thinking.
- Attention Span: Focusing on finding words or solving puzzles helps lengthen attention spans.
- Pattern Recognition: Sudoku and similar games improve pattern recognition skills.
Physical Games and Activities To Play With Elderly People
Physical games and activities are a wonderful way to connect with elderly loved ones, combining gentle exercise without being too strenuous, making them perfect for those with limited mobility. Participating in these types of games for old people encourages social interaction, and fosters a sense of community and belonging. The relaxed, low-impact nature of these activities also ensures they are enjoyable and stress-free, allowing everyone to focus on having fun and staying active. Physical games can also become a part of reablement in aged care. This is where an elderly person does certain reablement exercises and activities to help them maintain or actively regain – crucial physical aspects such as coordination, strength, and balance.
Examples of these types of games to play with seniors:
- Bocce involves rolling balls, aiming for the pallino, and measuring distances.
- Lawn bowls is all about delivering bowls, judging weight and bias, and strategising shots.
- Walking clubs are great for strolling together, exploring routes, and engaging in conversation all while getting fresh air and exercise.
Benefits of these games for older people:
- Physical Activity: These games for elderly loved ones, involve gentle physical activity, promoting health and wellbeing without being overly strenuous.
- Social Interaction: Participating in these activities often involves socialising with others.
- Low Impact: These activities are low impact, making them suitable for those with limited mobility.
- Not Overly Competitive: The relaxed nature of these games for the elderly also makes them more enjoyable.
Creative and Artistic Games To Play With Elderly People
Creative and artistic games for old people are a lovely way for them to express themselves while enjoying the therapeutic benefits of artistic activities. Creating artistic games for seniors to play and sharing these creative endeavours during your time together, is a great way to strengthen bonds and appreciate each other’s unique talents.
Examples of these types of games to play with seniors:
- Drawing/Painting is all about sketching outlines, blending colours, and creating masterpieces.
- With craft activities cut materials, assemble pieces, and design unique creations.
- Storytelling invites everyone to recall memories, weave tales, and share experiences from their lives.\
Benefits of these games for older people:
- Creativity: These activities encourage creativity.
- Self-Expression: Art and storytelling provide outlets for expressing thoughts and emotions.
- Fine Motor Skills: Crafting and drawing enhance fine motor skills through hands-on activities.
- Memory Recall: Storytelling often involves recalling and sharing memories, which can be both enjoyable and beneficial for families to hear now so they can pass them on before they’re gone forever.
Group Games and Social Activities To Play With Elderly People
Group games and social activities are a delightful way to engage with elderly loved ones, helping them to combat any feelings of loneliness and isolation. Participating in group games fosters a lively, supportive atmosphere where everyone can share in the fun with joy, laughter, and some cheeky camaraderie.
Examples of these types of games to play with seniors:
- Bingo where players listen for numbers, mark their cars, and shout “Bingo!”
- Trivia is always a good time – answering questions, brainstorming answers, and competing in teams.
- Charades gets everyone up acting out clues, miming words, and guessing frantically.
Benefits of these games for older people:
- Easy to Organise: These games are simple to set up and can involve many participants.
- Social Interaction: They provide opportunities for social engagement and building relationships.
- Stimulate Memory/Knowledge: Trivia games for old people stimulate the mind by recalling facts and knowledge.
- Promotes Laughter: These activities often lead to laughter and fun, which is also great for mental health.
Nursing Homes Don’t Have To Be Boring When It’s Game Time
Engaging in games for the elderly, not only provides enjoyment but also offers numerous physical, mental, and social benefits. The simple act of playing a game can brighten their day, rekindle old memories, and strengthen family bonds. Families should embrace the opportunity to play games with their elderly loved ones, whenever they can!
At Aurrum Aged Care, we have a fantastic lifestyle program and plenty of great activities for seniors. If you’d like to learn more, get in touch to arrange a tour with us today, and see everything we have on offer. You could even jump in on some games we play with our elderly residents!