Brain Games for Cognitive Enhancement: What Works
Did you know that remaining young at heart is an excellent way to retain cognitive function as you age?
Playing brain games, specifically, is showing promise among populations with declining cognitive health. Real Simple published an article encouraging readers (of all ages) to consider "cognitive fitness regimes" that include brain games. The longer you spend on a game and master that game, the more your brain works and recollects; these benefits only serve to improve memory.
More assisted living programs are starting to incorporate brain games for elderly residents. This integration benefits all seniors, not just those enrolled in memory care programs. When seniors enjoy these games with fellow residents, the social activity sharpens their brains even more.
Discover more brain exercises for seniors and cognitive skills training for residents.
Solo Brain Games to Get Started
Finding the right game to master requires testing several brain games before discovering the right one.
Start with familiar solo games like word-based games. These games sharpen the mind, forcing the player to dig into the mind to recall words and answers. These games aren't particularly competitive; players are encouraged to find the answers as quickly as possible to stimulate the brain.
These types of brain games include:
- Crossword puzzles
- Word search games
- Word tile games
- Word anagram puzzles
- Wordle
- Fill in the word
Sudoku is another solo game that stimulates cognitive function. Players are challenged to fill in each square on the grid with the correct number.
The rules:
- Every row must contain the numbers 1-9 (no repeats)
- Each column must also contain numbers 1-9
- Every 3X3 square on the grid contains 1-9
After completing the first sudoku puzzle, players complete subsequent puzzles even faster.
Joining Group Games
Solo games help build the confidence necessary to start joining group puzzle games like Scrabble; this game is ideal for seniors who enjoy completing morning crossword puzzles. This game may be played with two to four players. Players are challenged to form words turn-by-turn with the given tiles; each square on the grid represents a certain amount of points.
Bingo is another popular game to join. Similar to solo games, players play individually. However, players compete to win "bingos" against other individual players.
This game challenges players to think quickly to nab the win.
The rules:
- Players are given one to four grids with randomized numbers
- A host calls out a number randomly
- Players with the "called ball" number place a daub on that number
- When a player reaches a bingo, they call out "bingo!"
There are typically five ways to achieve a bingo:
- A fully daubed horizontal line
- A complete vertical line
- Four corners bingo
- Diagonal line bingo
There's also blackout bingo, which requires players to daub every number on their card to win.
Bingo is one of the most popular games in assisted living communities. Residents can always check Discover Village Trinity's social calendar for scheduled Bingo nights.
Trivia is another popular group game where players can compete individually amongst one another or with a group of two or more players. Similar to word games, Trivia challenges players to recollect facts to answer questions. This game is an excellent example of a "brain game" for memory care.
Playing Cards to Boost Elderly Mental Fitness
Playing cards also fall into the brain game category. Seniors can play individual card games like solitaire; this game goes quickly, with players becoming sharper and more perceptive with each game. The goal is to add every playing card to the four foundation piles according to suit.
Similar to crosswords, solitaire is a wonderful way to build gaming confidence before joining larger card games.
Other one-player card games include:
- Pyramid
- Forty Thieves
- Accordion
- Monte Carlo
- Devil's Grip
- Spider Solitare
These games challenge you to look at every angle to achieve a win. They also familiarize players with all 52 cards. Typically, an Ace card is the most powerful card, followed by Kings, Queens, and Jacks of any suit.
Group Card Games to Improve Cognitive Skills Training
Many playing card games require two players or more. These games are also popular in assisted living communities. You'll find popular card games anyone can play on the activities calendar.
One of the easiest card games to play is blackjack.
In this game, the ace card can represent either one point or eleven points. The objective of the game is to achieve no more than 21 points or as close as possible to 21 points. Players play against the dealer in a race against time to achieve 21 points.
Players are given a set of cards and must ask the dealer to "hit" them with additional cards without going over 21 points. Players must think strategically. Quick strategic thinking sharpens cognitive function.
Other group card games include:
- Gin
- Rummy
- Hearts
- Crazy Eights
- Bridge
- Speed
- Cribbage
- Euchre
Another popular card game that can be played with a classic 52-deck or the UNO brand deck is Uno. This card game is a discard game that requires players to discard all of their cards to win. Another example of a discard game is Spades.
More Memory Mind Games for Elderly Residents
There's never a shortage of brain games for senior memory care. Beyond cards, bingo, and puzzles, you'll find a range of options, including board games. Chess and checkers are two classic examples seniors love, which also boosts cognitive skills.
Monopoly is another game that stimulates seniors' brains. This game of finance challenges players to invest wisely in the right properties on the board. The player with the most money at the end of the game wins.
Tile games are another popular option for seniors, especially Mahjong. Dominoes is another classic tile game familiar to seniors.
Discover More Brain Games for Elderly Residents
Cognitive health activities like brain games are part of a well-rounded senior care plan. Assisted living communities integrate brain games for elderly members into memory care programs that include personal care assistance, senior nutrition, socialization, and more.
The team at Discover Village Trinity is passionate about providing the best memory care to residents in assisted living. We're part of a nationally recognized network of senior communities dedicated to thriving senior life.
Book a tour to experience our community or contact us to learn more about our programs.