Playing Games in Advanced Age: Staying Engaged

When it comes to home care for the elderly, one of the most important activities that caregivers can encourage is playing games. Boardgames, card games, and even video games can help keep elderly adults engaged and mentally stimulated. This is not only fun for them, but also has a number of health benefits that can improve their overall quality of life. 

Let’s explore some of the reasons why play is so beneficial for seniors, and shed light on examples of good games that caregivers can use to keep the elderly entertained. Whether you’ve already found someone in Encino that provides professional home care, or you’re catering to the needs of your loved one yourself, read on!

Do the elderly play games?

Now, it’s obvious that seniors do play games, but should they, and why? Now, you’re probably familiar with an image of senior patients playing board games and puzzles in nursing homes. There are a number of reasons behind this, and it’s not only to make the time pass.  

Someone said that the secret of wisdom is to carry the spirit of the child into old age. This involves keeping the level of enthusiasm high and making sure that there’s something enjoyable to look forward to each day. This is why any well-designed elderly care plan should include mentally stimulating activities, and games are a perfect example. 

Are board games good for the elderly?

It’s no secret that playtime and hobbies are a great way to keep the mind engaged, at any age. This is especially important in the elderly, who can face cognitive decline as time goes by. There’s also a range of other advantages that it brings: 

• Games promote mental fitness. Playing games can help improve memory, focus, and problem-solving skills.
• Games stimulate socialization. Games serve a great role in enriching the everyday routine. This is important for elderly adults who may not have many opportunities to interact with people their own age. 
• Games help ward off depression and anxiety. They don’t only serve as distractions from every day worries. Seniors can establish certain games as weekly or daily rituals, which promote resilience to stress, anxiety, and depression. 
• Games promote a higher quality of life. Staying mentally sharp, optimistic, and curious into old age makes the elderly more motivated and eager to put their effort into spending their days in a fulfilling manner.  

What are some good games for seniors? 

There are a number of different types of board games that are perfect for seniors. Here are some examples:

• Word and logic puzzles like Scrabble, Sudoku or Jenga 
• Card games such as bridge, poker, or gin rummy 
• Strategy games such as chess, checkers, or backgammon 
• Trivia games like Jeopardy! or Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? 
• Classic board games like Monopoly, Candyland, or Clue 

Can seniors benefit from playing video games? 

Although it might seem a bit funny at first, there’s nothing wrong with seeing your elderly loved one playing their favorite game on a PC, console, iPad, or another device. After all, computer games have been there for over four decades, so it’s not really something we should associate with the young population exclusively. 

Of course, spending too much time in front of the screen isn’t good for anyone, but a moderate amount of brain-stimulating games can do wonders. Combine that with healthy physical exercise, and you’ll have a packed daily schedule that will keep you active. Elderly people enjoy playing:

• Logic games like Portal or The Witness 
• Adventure games like Uncharted or Tomb Raider 
• Strategy games like Civilization or Age of Empires 
• Casino games like blackjack, poker, and roulette 

Our aging loved one in Encino, CA needs reliable home care. Who can we call? 

It’s clear that you want only the best for your elderly loved one, so imagine having someone to accompany them on relaxing walks to Los Encino State Historic Park. Fortunately, you don’t have to look far to find an ideal match!

A Better Way in Home Care is happy to assist by connecting you with the most reliable, motivated, and qualified Caregivers in your vicinity. They will gladly assist your loved one with everyday tasks, including personal hygiene and dressing, meal preparation, taking medication watering plants, doing light housework, helping with their beloved pets, and driving them to doctor’s appointments. 

Give us a call today to find out more about our services and our Caregivers!