Whether you are competitive or just in it for fun, there are countless reasons to enjoy board games for seniors! They have made a major comeback in recent years, and these games offer an impressive range of benefits, particularly for seniors. They help to make connections with others, exercise memory and logic, boost brain power, protect against dementia, and reduce stress. But they are so popular because most board games lead to merry banter and fits of laughter that stimulate endorphins. For that matter, having fun can help boost serotonin, relieve anxiety symptoms, and increase enthusiasm in all areas of life.
Now that you know why board games for seniors are so great, you will want to grab a few for yourself, a parent, or a grandparent. For that matter, games are an easy way for multiple generations to connect with one another. For grandparents worrying about what to do when grandchildren visit, games offer purpose and enjoyment to players of all ages. But with so many games out there, the biggest challenge can be choosing which game to play. Where do you start when looking for board games? We have compiled a list of the top 10 board games for seniors, some classic and some new. We think our picks get five stars for experience when it comes to fun and entertainment while keeping brains active and challenged. So, if you are ready to challenge yourself and make new memories, look at our lineup. We selected a variety of games; we even included some without boards to satisfy everyone!
Best Board Games for Seniors
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Cards
We put cards at the top of our list of games for seniors. True, it has no board, but almost everyone has a deck. They are compact, and you can play hundreds of games with just one deck of 52 cards. You can plan everything from Go Fish to Gin Rummy and Hearts to poker, and everything in between. There are endless games at every level to play with family, friends, or neighbors. And should you have the urge to play when you are on your own, Solitaire never disappoints!
Here is another game without a board, but it is an all-time favorite. Many people have Dominoes somewhere in a drawer collecting dust. There are so many variations of this tile-based game that you can never get bored (See the pun there?). Dominoes is also an ideal game for older adults because the visuals are large, and the pieces are easy to handle. In addition, playing dominoes can be an ideal way to practice hand-eye coordination and hand dexterity.
This one has a board! Plus, most of us have already had some experience with one or both of these games of strategy. For this reason alone, chess and checkers are good board games for seniors. Both games are easy to learn yet stimulating since they require focus, creative problem-solving and strategy to win.
Scrabble is a unique game that blends the entertainment value of a word puzzle with critical thinking. Players enjoy the satisfying click of tiles as they share their vocabulary with grandparents or grandchildren—and learn theirs in return. This game is a perfect fit for wordies who enjoy crossword puzzles and word searches.
A perfect game for the whole family, Apples to Apples promises to bring plenty of laughs. The object is to try and win by choosing the best “thing” card to match that round’s “description” card. The fun really gets rolling when the entertaining adjectives and surprising subjects come together. Crazy combinations are sure to insight laughter!
This is the Godfather of all board games! This classic offers fast deals and property trading, and other than the evolution of playing pieces, it hasn’t changed much over the years. Players roll two dice to move around the game board, buying and trading properties and developing them with houses and hotels. This addictive game is bound to bring back great memories and go on for hours!
Ticket to Ride is an award-winning game. It features the competitive spirit of Monopoly and strategy, but it takes less time and has simpler rules. Players participate in a cross-country train adventure. They collect and play matching train cards to claim railway routes connecting cities throughout North America. It uses real replica maps, which can inspire the sharing of tales of past travels making it a good memory game for seniors.
Qwirkle is a tile-placement game that shares some characteristics with games like Rummikub and Scrabble. Basically, players match colors and shapes. Qwirkle uses pattern recognition, basic mathematics, and strategy. It’s a great game for seniors as well as grandchildren. It encourages players to develop and hone their spatial, recognition, planning, and problem-solving skills. Plan, win, and learn all at the same time.
This game is much like the classic card games of Poker and Blackjack but adds the spirit of Indiana Jones. Players travel to ancient temples and collect treasures along the way, but they must watch out for traps! It’s a game of chance that allows you to be creative and use critical problem-solving, wrapped in a bit of adventure.
Suspend is another game that does not have a board but is worth mentioning. It is similar to Jenga and uses the same concept but instead of wooden blocks, it uses a series of metal rods. The game is fun for people of all ages. Bringing to bear a blend of creative problem-solving, fine motor skills, and a little bit of risk-taking.
Looking to reap the benefits of games?
At Jacaranda Trace, in Venice, Florida, we know the importance of keeping life fresh and entertaining and fostering connections. Finding a place where socialization is almost effortless is a leading reason seniors move to a community setting. At Jacaranda Trace social opportunities are virtually endless through organized clubs, dining, planned events, and day-to-day life throughout the community. If you are interested in learning more about the opportunities available at Jacaranda Trace and stopping by for a visit, call 941-408-2050 or schedule a personal appointment.