Games are a great way to keep seniors engaged, not only to improve mood, but also to keep their minds sharp. The brain requires exercise to stay healthy, which is why the health center staff at Wolcott View Manor Health & Rehabilitation Center in New Haven County, CT, wants to share several stimulating games for seniors. These not only benefit cognitive health, but they also offer challenges to conquer alone or with a friend.

3 Engaging Games for Seniors

1. Word Games

Crossword puzzles, Scrabble®, and word searches are just a few of the word games ideal for seniors. Not only are they simple and fun, but they also play an important role in cognitive health. Because many are tied to memory, seniors benefit from exercising their short- and long-term recall abilities. They’re also a relaxing exercise that can be done alone or with friends through a variety of print and digital playing options.

2. Puzzles

Dexterity and coordination are equally as important as cognitive health, and puzzles are an excellent, low-impact way for seniors to exercise them. They also challenge analytical and reasoning skills to keep the mind sharp and come in a variety of difficulty levels. There are also options for seniors with vision issues, so speak with a health center professional if you need some ideas.

3. Strategy Games

Strategy games like chess and backgammon demand a great deal of problem-solving, analysis, and critical thinking, all of which are engaging and benefit seniors. They’re perfect for playing with a friend or in tournaments, and the degree of concentration required has a variety of mental health benefits. It’s never too early to begin playing, and the constant challenge will keep games exciting for years.

Keeping you or a loved one mentally engaged significantly impacts their well-being, and the health center staff at Wolcott View Manor Health & Rehabilitation Center want to help. They offer a variety of services ranging from nursing home care to heart and lung health services, all geared toward ensuring patients remain healthy and active. Call (203) 879-8066 today to speak with their health center staff, and visit their website and Facebook to learn more about the facility.