Games and a playful spirit do not need to stay in childhood. Adults have found the importance of balancing work and play. Did you know some games help improve memory, hand/eye coordination, and cognitive strength? Whether playing in a group, in person, or online games can help the individual unplug from life’s responsibilities. Senior Living communities, such as Beacon Crest Senior Living, offer daily activities that utilize various games. Here are a few ideas to incorporate more fun into your daily activities.
TRIVIA QUIZZES
There are online trivia quizzes, but some prefer to attend an in-person event. Game nights are offered on group chats as well. Gatherings with themes such as music-based trivia, old television shows, movies, or books can keep your pop-cultural knowledge updated. Are you looking for something more traditional? There are other topics such as history, geography, political climates, or anything else you can imagine. You can try a few genres or types of events to decide which you prefer.
BINGO
Did you know Bingo is more than putting stamps on a paper and shouting “Bingo”? This game offers a multitude of benefits. It can boost cognitive abilities by stimulating brain cells that help recall information. Another perk of Bingo is that it improves hand-eye coordination while the player looks for their numbers. The third benefit is that playing with a group reinforces social connections. Not only are you having fun, but you are interacting with others while playing the game.
CARD GAMES
Who loves card games? There are almost too many to list in one article. Maybe you began playing as a child with Old Maid or Go Fish. As you got older, you learned Crazy Eights with your friends. Once in adulthood, you expanded into Gin Rummy or Poker. Want to unwind and play on your own? Solitaire is not the only game in town, but it can be fun. Do you not have a stack of cards? There are many online games available. There are also apps on your phone that offer games. You can play card games while waiting at the doctor’s office by just using your phone or organizing a game with your friends.
ONLINE GAMES
Online games have become extremely popular with the older generation. Whether playing solitaire, strategy games, trivia games, or online puzzles, the accessibility has encouraged adults to have more fun. There are many ways to find and explore which online game suits the individual best. Try a game in the comfort of your home and decide if you would like to switch to a different one. Are you not sure how to locate games online? Here is a link to help navigate the search.
ROUND-ROBIN STORY
Storytelling has been around since the beginning of time. It is how society records and relates experiences to individuals and groups. Often storytelling happens in circles, which brings the Round-Robin Story idea to light. How is this game played? The first player begins a story with one sentence. The next player repeats that sentence then adds another sentence to the story. This pattern continues around the circle until a player is unable to repeat the entire story. If that happens, that player begins a new narrative. This game encourages memory retention, but it also expands the imagination. Storytelling can strengthen the bonds of a community. This connection to a community is another benefit of living in a senior living home.