To keep their wits sharp and active, seniors might benefit significantly from playing memory games. But it can be challenging to locate a memory game that an older adult would love enough to keep playing at any time.
Playing a wide range of games designed to improve cognitive abilities consistently is key to seeing noticeable improvements in cognitive performance.
Therefore, we’ve compiled a list of the five best memory games for seniors:
1. Keep Your Brain Alive
The book “Keep Your Brain Alive” was written by Manning Rubin and Dr. Lawrence C. Katz, a professor of neuroscience at Duke University. In this book, the authors present a set of proven activities that have proven effective in scientific studies to enhance senior citizens’ memories. By stimulating its production of neurotrophins, the workouts assist the brain in delaying the onset of cognitive decline associated with aging.
These brain aerobics entail engaging your senses in novel ways, such as brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand. The brain is involved in a novel way by these activities. They are like fertilizer for your brain, helping it grow new connections.
2. Concentration
This classic board game is excellent for spending time with the little ones. You play Concentration using only a deck of cards as a substitute for the traditional equipment (which includes a couple of other simple memory-boosting activities for seniors).
Playing these games daily is the most effective way to improve your memory. According to neuroscientist Dr. Paul Laurienti’s research, we previously believed that as people age, their brain cells shrank and eventually died. Recently, it has become clear that new, robust connections can be formed in the brain at any age.
3. Crosswords
Crossword puzzles and other word games are great for seniors since they help with memory. The mental exercise of solving a problem has been shown to promote healthy neural connectivity.
Seniors can improve their vocabulary and word memory with the help of crossword puzzles. Crossword puzzles are a great way to exercise both hemispheres of your brain. The elderly can also benefit from word games that require deductive reasoning.
Crossword puzzles are a great way to unwind and de-stress, especially after a long and stressful day or week. The elderly no longer have to tackle crossword problems alone! Whether you’re doing them as a family or a group of elders, they can be a lot of fun.
4. Lumosity
If you’re interested in trying out the online subscription service Lumosity, you can do so by downloading a free trial version of the game.
The paid edition gives you access to a wider variety of games and allows you to swap out games if you don’t like the ones included in your daily rotation. You can also create a list of your favorite games to play at any time.
Games can be divided into various subsets: memory, focus, agility, language, problem-solving, and speed.
All sorts of fun games may be found in each sub-section, and tutorials are available to help newcomers get started. The program also records your progress in each area.
5. Sudoku
In the world of pencil puzzles, Sudoku is a huge hit. To succeed, you’ll need to apply your problem-solving skills in a lighthearted, accessible setting. Sudoku can be played on almost any device or paper. In addition, it is available for play on the Internet.
But what exactly is it about this game that benefits mental fitness?
Playing Sudoku challenges your reasoning and reminiscence faculties, forcing your brain to form new neural pathways. Better focus and quicker decision-making are two additional benefits of strategic thinking. There’s also a sense of satisfaction and pride that comes from solving a puzzle successfully.
Memory improvement through play is not limited to the popular puzzle game Sudoku. Crosswords and word searches are other ordinary pencil puzzles that are good for your memory.