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Keeping mentally active with various games is a good strategy for senior health. A number of studies and findings acknowledge that brain games can help maintain and even strengthen such areas as memory, reasoning and speed of processing, according to the National Institutes of Health. Other studies confirm that brain games for seniors can encourage independence, lower the risk of dementia and even prevent falls.
Playing these games in groups also encourages social interaction, which can help stave off loneliness, another risk for seniors. So, what are the best brain games for seniors?
>> Read “The Mental Health Benefits of Socializing for Seniors”
Find out more about why brain and memory games for seniors bolster health and learn about some of the best brain games for senior citizens and older adults.
Stimulating the brain with games can help senior health in a variety of ways. Among the ways brain games help are:
Bingo is a fun, social game offered at many Senior Lifestyle communities and some senior centers and libraries. It encourages social interaction and memory challenges. Bingo also offers health benefits from participation in the game’s activities, such as hearing when numbers are called out, sight when searching for numbers on the bingo card, and touch when using pieces, markers or daubers to mark the cards.
This is an easy-to-learn board game for seniors. This game is less about strategy and more about the process of logic and simple hand-eye coordination. Game sets are in many sizes, including ones with large boards and pieces, which can help seniors with arthritis or vision challenges.
Chess is a more complex game of strategy, beneficial for strengthening problem solving and reasoning. Chess can seem complicated at first, but the work is worth it because it can increase brain use and focus. Chess can be played in person or online with other players or alone.
Crossword puzzles are everywhere, from daily newspapers to free online sites to books you can purchase at the grocery store or dollar store. These puzzles are a challenge either alone or sitting with a group, everyone helping each other out. If crosswords aren’t appealing, other free word games for seniors can be tried, such as word searches.
Working on jigsaw puzzles is a wonderful way to fill the hours, either alone or with friends helping out. Jigsaw puzzles involve strategy and problem-solving skills, and they can grow in complexity depending on the number of pieces, the picture design or even the puzzle shape. They are also inexpensive, widely available in dollar stores.
There are dozens of games available online for seniors. Memory games, skill games, word games and more are available in online versions. You can find word searches, jigsaw puzzles and more, many for free, and in multiplayer mode for a social version.
This is a true classic board game for seniors and all ages. Scrabble can be entertaining while exercising memory, and can help build your vocabulary. Since it’s a game for at least two people, it is a social game, too.
Solitaire and other card games help keep brains sharp. As one of the most popular card games, solitaire can be played in person or online. Other simple card games, which involve others, include bridge, gin rummy, go fish and hearts.
Sudoku puzzles challenge logic skills and mental abilities, which makes them perfect for seniors looking to stay sharp. Finishing a sudoku puzzle gives a senior a sense of accomplishment. There are many sudoku resources available, from inexpensive books to online sites to apps.
>> Read “5 Tips for Sudoku Beginners”
Trivia games, such as Trivial Pursuit, are a great stimulator of minds and memories. Played in teams, these games are fun and social, and can spark great conversations about shared experiences.
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Often the hardest part of doing something new is getting started, and that's especially true about exercise. This article from AARP makes it easy to get started with the most important exercise to help you age healthy: squats. Five or ten squats are easy to do while you wait for the coffee to brew or the microwave to finish heating.Even when we're healthy we sometimes need a little extra help with the house or errands. Visit our website at www.rosehillathome.com to learn more about how Rose Hill Stay-at-Home Services can help you or a loved one stay in independent and at home.
Transitioning into an independent living residence in Palmetto, FL can be an exciting new chapter in your life, especially when it comes to revisiting old pastimes that once brought joy and fulfillment. These communities are not just about comfortable living; they are also about rekindling passions and enjoying the leisure activities that you love. Here are four ways to rediscover and reengage with your old hobbies, making the most of the amenities and the like-minded company your new home offers.Join Community Clubs or GroupsMost independent living residences boast a variety of clubs and groups designed to cater to the diverse interests of their residents. Whether you once had a love for painting, gardening, or chess, there is likely a club within your retirement community where you can reconnect with that interest. These groups are fantastic for socializing and sharing your passion with others who have similar hobbies. You can also learn new techniques, share your knowledge, and perhaps even take on leadership roles within the club, helping to organize events and activities.Take Advantage of On-site AmenitiesYour independent living residence in Palmetto, FL is likely equipped with a range of amenities designed to enhance your lifestyle and leisure time. If you used to enjoy swimming, for example, the on-site pool is not just for exercise; it can be a place to get back into the rhythm of swimming laps or even teach others. Libraries, craft rooms, and woodworking shops also offer spaces to reignite your love for reading, crafting, or building. These amenities are included in your living experience, so make the most of them by dedicating time to indulge in your hobbies.Explore Educational OpportunitiesLearning never stops, and as you age, you might find that you have a deeper appreciation for acquiring new knowledge and skills related to your hobbies. Look for educational opportunities offered within your community, such as workshops, lectures, or classes. These can be particularly beneficial if you are looking to brush up on skills or dive deeper into a hobby that you have not pursued in a while. Whether it is a writing workshop to reawaken your love for storytelling or art classes to refine your painting technique, these learning opportunities can be both fulfilling and enjoyable.Create a Hobby Haven in Your ResidenceYour personal space within an independent living community can be transformed into a haven for your hobbies. Carve out a corner of your apartment for a reading nook, set up a small studio for your painting, or organize a space for your knitting or sewing. Having a dedicated space for your hobbies can inspire you to spend more time on them. Decorate this area with items that motivate you, such as inspiring quotes, images, or anything that reminds you of the joy your hobbies bring. This personalization can make your living space feel even more like home.Enhancing Your LifeRediscovering your hobbies in an independent living community in Palmetto, FL is not only about entertainment but also about enhancing your quality of life. Engaging in leisure activities that you are passionate about can boost your mood, keep your mind sharp, and provide a sense of accomplishment. These communities offer the perfect backdrop to reconnect with your interests, meet others who share them, and add a new level of enjoyment to your daily routine. So, take the first step, explore the options available within your community, and relish in the hobbies that make your heart sing.
Specializing in Memory Care Alzheimers and Dementia. Living with Dignity.We have a special place in our hearts for our residents and their families who are dealing with the effects of Alzheimers or similar forms of Dementia. Memory Care communities, which include Alzheimers and Dementia Care community, consist of specially designed living spaces and supporting environments for those who are living with cognitive challenges brought on by Alzheimers and dementia. These may include carefully considered flooring to reduce problematic patterns for those with Alzheimers or dementia and wall colors that help them to find the way. The dementia care environment helps cue its residents in their daily lives. Areas of the community are set up for safe engagement in activities such as gardening, kitchen work, and other life skills that provide purposeful and meaningful successful moments.
Specializing in Memory Care Alzheimers and Dementia. Living with Dignity.We have a special place in our hearts for our residents and their families who are dealing with the effects of Alzheimers or similar forms of Dementia. Memory Care communities, which include Alzheimers and Dementia Care community, consist of specially designed living spaces and supporting environments for those who are living with cognitive challenges brought on by Alzheimers and dementia. These may include carefully considered flooring to reduce problematic patterns for those with Alzheimers or dementia and wall colors that help them to find the way. The dementia care environment helps cue its residents in their daily lives. Areas of the community are set up for safe engagement in activities such as gardening, kitchen work, and other life skills that provide purposeful and meaningful successful moments.