Transitioning into any new stage of life can bring its own set of challenges. These challenges can include memory loss and trying to navigate around that. Keeping your mind sharp as you age is about finding new ways to challenge yourself.
Being surrounded by the right community and support to excel later in life is essential.
But what are some memory games for seniors? And what are some health benefits they can provide? Let’s explore.
5 Memory Games for Seniors
So, you want to find some memory games for your loved ones that can continue to stimulate their memory.
It’s essential to exercise your brain no matter what age you are. Using games that challenge your memory and cognitive functions is a great way to do that.
Brain games are important for several reasons:
- They can help to increase focus, concentration, and memory.
- Memory games can help you be more present in your day-to-day life.
- While not preventing them outright, brain games can work to prevent age-related decline.
Let’s look at some memory games that can do just that.
Crossword Puzzles
Doing crossword puzzles can potentially help slow memory decline and adequately stimulate memory. Concentrating and stimulating your brain via crossword puzzles can help you keep up a daily habit and maintain concentration.
Practicing crossword puzzles is great for stimulating the brain. Crossword puzzles can potentially delay the onset of preclinical dementia.
Sudoku
Sudoku is a number puzzle game where you have to fill a grid with numbers 1 through 9, with each number appearing only once in a row, column, or box.
Sudoku can help you think critically and improve cognitive functions in some people.
Jigsaw Puzzles
When you think of jigsaw puzzles, the first thing that comes to mind is passing some time and relaxing. But jigsaw puzzles activate many cognitive functions as well.
- Perception
- Mental rotation
- Working memory
- Reasoning
Jigsaw puzzles can demand multiple cognitive abilities, including visual perception and cognitive speed.
Chess
Playing chess is a great way to stimulate the critical thinking aspects of your brain. Playing chess may lead to improvements in:
- Memory
- Executive functioning, which is the ability to monitor and adapt behavior
- Information processing speed
The cognitive benefits of playing chess can help older adults combat the effects of dementia.
Video Games
Video games may be a surprise to see here—you don’t usually see video games associated with seniors. Not all video games are created equal—games in the action, puzzle, and strategy genre are best to keep your mind engaged.
Playing these types of video games may lead to improvements in the following:
- Attention span
- Problem-solving
- Cognitive flexibility
Video games aren’t usually the type of activity you’ll associate with seniors. Still, the ease of access and simple plug-and-play nature can be a simple activity for seniors to consume.
Caregiver Benefits
As a caregiver, finding the right memory games is essential. Games that focus on mental stimulation are a convenient and safe way to have fun and avoid boredom. Maintaining brain exercises for seniors is very beneficial from a caregiver’s perspective.
Brain exercises like memory games focus on:
- Memory
- Reasoning
- Speed of processing information
Exercising the brain and creating a plan as a caregiver can help combat the effects of Alzheimer’s and dementia. Along with combating the effects, engaging in memory games and brain exercises regularly can slow the rate of decline.
Staying Mentally Active
Memory games are great for seniors to stay mentally active and stimulate their cognitive functions. Slowing the rate of decline has proven to be possible. These memory games are a great option for caregivers to create plans for seniors under their care. Schedule a visit with professionals for more information on senior care and finding your ideal community.
