9 Of The Best Board Games For Seniors

July 4th, 2023

Everyone loves a board game and we all have a favourite. Board games for seniors can be just as much fun for the whole family to get involved with, but there are also plenty of genuine benefits to playing board games for elderly people too. Let’s look at some of the great reasons to pull out some classic board games, and which board games for the elderly we should all have on our shelves.

Benefits Of Board Games For The Elderly

With so many gadgets we can grab nowadays, board games can sometimes be forgotten. Yet board games for seniors come with so many benefits and are a brilliant way to spend a few hours. Here’s a quick rundown of why board games are so good.

Brain Training

Playing board games is excellent for keeping the mind sharp and active. Board games for the elderly can involve strategic decisions and problem solving, which can really help with cognitive function.

Social Interaction

Even a simple two-player game is an excuse to spend time with friends or family. Finding things to do with loved ones helps to stop loneliness, improves communication and is good for overall wellbeing. Board games for seniors are especially good in a care home, as they encourage residents to spend time together.

Memory

There are lots of ways board games for elderly people help with memory. Often there are rules to be remembered, scores to keep track of, and previous moves to be aware of. For seniors living with dementia, board games can be a practical way to help with memory recall if they are happy and able to play.

Nostalgia

Playing a classic board game can really bring up old memories and help elderly people to recall lots of good times they’ve had. They may even inspire them to talk about their childhood and the games they played, passing on anecdotes to younger generations and building bonds between them.

Motor Skills

Moving small pieces, writing down scores, or shuffling cards are simple ways to keep fine motor skills moving. It can also help with hand-eye coordination and dexterity.

Achievement

Winning a board game is a fantastic feeling. Not only have you had fun, but you’ve also reached a set goal. Some seniors may struggle with previously simple tasks for health reasons. This is one way board games for seniors can be especially good and help to instil a sense of pride and achievement.

The Best Board Games For Seniors

Everyone will have their own idea of what the best board game for seniors is, but with so many choices, there’s bound to be something we all love.

1. Scrabble

Scrabble is one of the best board games for seniors to enhance cognitive function. It requires players to remember words, solve problems, and use mental arithmetic. You can also get a large print version of Scrabble to make the board easier to read. For the uninitiated, Scrabble involves players having to make words out of 7 letters and place them on a board to get the highest number of points. It’s also great fun seeing what words people come up with. Be sure to keep a dictionary to hand!

2. Guess Who

When choosing board games for elderly people with grandchildren, Guess Who? is a no-brainer. This modern classic has two opponents guessing which character the other player has randomly chosen from a pack of cards. You must ask questions about their appearance to narrow it down. To win Guess Who? you have to ask the best questions, remember what you’ve already asked, and make an educated guess by process of elimination. It’s also just a lot of fun and a simple way to stay young at heart.

3. Connect 4

The beauty of Connect 4 is its simplicity. It’s great for seniors who want to try and outwit each other but don’t have the time or inclination for taxing or tediously long games. The goal is to get four matching coloured tiles in a row. However, you can block your opponent at any time so you need to have your wits about you. It’s also a good game for seniors wanting to exercise their motor skills as you need to slot the round tokens into the holder and get them in the desired position.

4. Trivial Pursuit

Trivial Pursuit has long been one of the most popular board games for seniors. There have been many incarnations of the much loved trivia game. Players must get around the board by answering questions about trivia and popular culture. It’s a good one for groups of seniors and for those with differing interests, as everyone can then contribute. This game can also spark conversations based on the questions and evoke memories. Trivial Pursuit is often pulled out at Christmas and an updated version might be just the ticket as a Christmas gift for seniors.

5. Articulate

Articulate is somewhat of a newcomer to the board game world. Another word game, this one involves players having to describe the word on their card without using specific words typically associated with it. For example, if the word is ‘burger’, you couldn’t say ‘bun’. It’s fast paced and a lot of fun for all the family, but is also easy to play too. Any tricky words can be taken out ahead of time to make it enjoyable for everybody.

6. Logo Board Game

7. Wordle

Based on the popular app of the same name, the Wordle board game follows the same idea. Many seniors are quite happy to use technology but for those who aren’t, Wordle is an ideal board game for elderly people who want to get involved. It also makes the game much more social as it’s designed to be played by several people at once. Wordle is a hobby loved by many so this should be a big hit.

8. Yes Or No Game

This is another super simple game that never gets old and can be played again and again. The Yes and No game can be bought as a proper boxed game with pre-made cards and questions, or you could also choose to make a version yourself. All you have to do to win is collect as many cards as possible by not answering ‘yes’ or ‘no’ to any of the questions. It’s one of the more fast-paced board games for seniors and an exciting way to get you to think on your feet.

9. Battleships

The original game of Battleships dates back to World War I. The idea of Battleships is to take out all of your opponent’s ships. It’s a game of strategy, skill, and a little bit of luck. Battleships can be a thrilling way to go toe-to-toe with friends or family and see who can win. It’s also nostalgic, taking many seniors back to their younger days when TVs and streaming services weren’t around to entertain the children.

Having Fun At Any Age

Board games are a fun and thrilling way to pass the time at any age. They’re also a wonderful way to train your brain, and learn new skills or enhance existing ones. Board games for seniors also help to foster creativity and keep minds active and curious.

Whether it’s board games, card games, or a round of bingo, finding ways to socialise and enjoy life’s little moments is incredibly important. For the elderly, board games, and play in general, are a light-hearted way to keep learning too.

Social interaction and entertainment are an essential part of life in a care home and shouldn’t be underestimated. At New Care Homes, we have a packed activities programme to make sure all residents are engaged and enthused. This includes the simple pleasure of board games, which can be played with other residents or with family members during visits.

New Care Homes have locations across the country offering residential, nursing, respite, and dementia care. Staff are highly trained to make sure all resident’s care needs are looked after, from eating, drinking, and hygiene to relaxation, leisure, and entertainment.

Please contact us to book a visit to any of our care home locations, or to ask any questions about the services we provide and how we can help you or your loved one.