Let’s Play: The Benefits of Games for Seniors

We often think of board and card games as a fun diversion from work or the perfect activity for family night with the kids. Research shows, however, that games for seniors boast multiple health benefits such as improved mood and memory, and may even slow down the effects of aging and Alzheimer's disease. Read on to learn more about the benefits of games for seniors, and how our independent senior living residents are incorporating these fun pastimes into their daily lives.

The Benefits of Games for Seniors

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine showed that seniors who stretch and work their brains on a regular basis can significantly reduce the risk of developing dementia. The study looked at seniors' leisure activities over a 20-year period and found that individuals who played board games or card games, played musical instruments, danced for fun/exercise, and read for pleasure showed a reduced incidence of dementia. In fact, people who engaged in these activities more often experienced a risk reduction.

Active seniors who regularly play board and card games experience several benefits beyond the reduced risk of disease. The intellectual challenge of these games can be fun and thrilling, and more importantly can boost an individual's self-esteem. The practice of problem-solving in puzzles and games like Jenga helps to keep the mind agile, and improves a senior's short and long-term memory.

Seniors who play games also benefit from the social aspect of these activities: they meet new people, gather with friends to chat and catch up, and build a social group within their senior independent living communities. For individuals who play games from their youth, or games they enjoy with family, the sense of fun and pleasure in playing these games is further heightened because they're a reminder of the wonderful times spent with loves ones, both past and present.

Games at Chateau Brickyard

As an active retirement community, Chateau Brickyard's monthly activity calendar is chock-full of exciting events and programs. Board games for seniors are very popular here, so we always ensure that our residents have ample playing time and that we seek out new and exciting games for them to try and enjoy. Margaret E., a resident who learned to play one of her favorite games here at Chateau Brickyard, said, "I love Jenga! Gigi our Activities Director introduced it to us when she came this year. She taught me how to play it. It is a very challenging game and it's fun when I make the tower fall."

Some of the most popular games regularly enjoyed here especially in the cold Salt Lake City, UT, winters are puzzles, Bingo, Jenga, Apples to Apples, The Price is Right, Name that Tune, target shoot, and bean bag toss. Our residents' favorite card games include UNO!, Phase Ten Skip-Bo, pinochle, Blackjack, and Canasta. As you can see, our residents' tastes are varied and many enjoy playing games from their youth like pinochle and Bingo.

Resident Bill C. said, "My favorite game is pinochle. I learned to play it when I was young from my brothers. My mom taught my brothers and I learned from them."

Games are more than a diversion from boredom or an activity to be played in solitude. Board and card games for seniors unite our residents together in a mission of fun and entertainment, one where they challenge their brains, learn new skills, and strengthen the bond of community.

Want to experience the fun and excitement that games bring to our Salt Lake City community first hand? Contact us today to schedule a tour!