The brain ages naturally, just like the rest of the body. Seniors can challenge their brains through stimulating exercises to improve cognitive health. Online games are accessible, pleasant, and intellectually stimulating, which is beneficial for brain health.
Playing online games provides a variety of challenges for the ageing brain. Seniors can play online brain games every day, and many may already be doing so. Brain games include things like word searches and crossword puzzles. A senior just needs to have access to the Internet to begin challenging their brain.
It’s possible that older people prefer playing online games on a computer, smartphone, or tablet. The game of choice ought to be challenging but not too difficult. A difficult game may be too tough for someone with dementia to play. Begin with the basics and work your way up.
Prior to playing, be aware that certain online games require a monthly subscription. These paid games include extras like assistance and personalized training programs. Seniors are also advised to select engaging games rather than ones that appear boring to them.
Most popular online games for seniors
1) Jigsaw puzzles
By tackling difficult jigsaw puzzles, seniors can kill time while having fun and exercising their minds. Jigsaw puzzles are no longer only for the table. Seniors can complete online crossword puzzles.
Elderly folks can improve their cognitive skills by completing a jigsaw puzzle on a laptop, tablet, or smartphone device. Studies indicate that seniors’ visual perception and recognition abilities improve as they put the puzzles together.
2) Treasure Search
Online games like Treasure Hunt can help seniors remember things better. For older citizens who enjoy travelling, this pirate-themed game is perfect. Seniors who correctly identify the items that can be found in each of the pirate ship’s chambers earn virtual gold coins.
3) Everyday Word Search
The Daily Word Search online game now includes daily word puzzles. Because seniors can choose to play at the beginner or advanced levels, the game is suitable for players of every skill level. Seniors can access the standard word search for free online.
4) Checkers
Checkers is a classic game that may be played online as well. Since all the pieces are the same, the game takes less strategic consideration. Nevertheless, checker players need to strategize and anticipate what their adversary will do next. Seniors can choose from a range of difficulty levels.
5) Solitaire
The top list of online games for seniors would be incomplete without Solitaire, which is regarded by some as the most popular Internet card game. Seniors who play solitaire improve their ability to recognize patterns. This improves memory and helps older adults mitigate the effects of cognitive decline.
6) Mahjong
Seniors’ mental health and feelings of loneliness are improved by playing online games like Mahjong, which is a straightforward tile-matching game. The AARP offers a selection of Mahjong games online. Seniors can select any of the 10 online games that best suit their individual interests.
Some of the Mahjong variants provided by AARP are Mahjong Solitaire, Mahjong: Age of Alchemy, Mahjong Dark Dimensions, Mahjong Toy Chest – Classic Edition, and Holiday Mahjong Dimensions. On the AARP website where the games are played, the top scores attained by players are shown, adding a competitive element!
Mahjong may be helpful for dementia patients. Players improve their ability to calculate, plan, and memorize. The ability to think is enhanced. As they play Mahjong, seniors often get better at remembering and finding things.
7) Scrabble
Scrabble is ideal for seniors who appreciate a word challenge. Older players combine letters to form words using their brains. Seniors are able to compete with competitors from around the globe. Seniors are encouraged to track their scores intelligently. Scrabble may be played for free on websites like Pogo.
8) Chess
Chess is another intriguing online game that is well-known. The game provides seniors something new each time they play: it could be short or long, easy or difficult. Seniors who play chess with masters of the game or compete against novices are also building companionships.
Seniors use both sides of their brains to undertake critical analysis and chess strategy, which strengthens both short and long-term memory.
Want to learn more?
ConsidraCare’s live-in caregivers offer companionship to seniors and are trained to set up engaging activities that promote cognitive health and wellness. Please reach out to us at wecare@considracare.com or call us at 1-855-410-7971 to arrange care for a loved one.
Maryam is a leading writer at ConsidraCare, specializing in senior care. Her well-researched articles are widely recognized for guiding families through the complexities of caring for loved ones, establishing her as a trusted and authoritative voice in the field.