How many board games did you own as a child? Do you still have some tucked away in a cupboard? If so it’s time to get them out and play with the people who need your help with their memory issues.
Board games are fun to play! They bring families and friends together, and for seniors, they offer not only entertainment but are perfect for providing them with the valuable mental exercise they need to prevent cognitive decline.
Simple board games can help sharpen their attention, and even improve their strategic thinking in a way that’s relaxed and social.
Board Games to Brush the Dust Off
When it comes to choosing board games, the easy ones are often the best. Monopoly might be too intense for example. So, look for games that don’t require a lot of complicated instructions or intricate strategies. The best options are those with easy-to-remember rules, visual or tactile elements, and a steady rhythm that keeps players engaged without feeling bored or rushed.
Dominoes
Dominoes is an easy game that involves matching numbers, which is great for memory and recognition skills. It can be made very easy to play! Each player takes turns matching the dots on the dominoes. The game continues until all the dominoes are used or no more dots can be matched.
Dominoes involves simple counting and visual matching, making it approachable yet mentally engaging. The tactile experience of handling the dominoes also adds a sensory element that can feel familiar.
Checkers
Checkers is easy to learn and perfect for anyone who enjoys a slightly more strategic game without being overly complex. The board is set up with alternating black and white squares. Players take turns moving their pieces diagonally across the board, aiming to capture their opponent’s pieces or reach the other side.
This game encourages planning and focus, keeping players engaged in light decision-making. For those people who used to play more complex games like chess, checkers can offer a familiar format that’s just a bit easier to play.
Snakes and Ladders
Good old snakes and ladders! This classic game is perfect for those looking for a lighthearted experience with no need for memory or strategy. All it takes is a roll of the dice. Players roll the dice and move their piece along numbered squares. Landing on a ladder lets them climb ahead, while landing on a snake sends them back down.
Snakes and Ladders is easy to play, purely chance-based, and offers moments of fun and surprise. It’s simple, colorful, and reminds most people of their past, making it perfect for a cheerful game session with family or friends.
Trouble
This is a fun favorite! Trouble is a fantastic choice that doesn’t rely heavily on memory but still keeps players engaged. The game involves moving four colored pegs around the board, with each roll of the dice dictating how many spaces to move. The iconic ‘Pop-O-Matic’ dice bubble adds a fun, tactile element, making it easy to know whose turn it is and giving players a satisfying pop with every roll.
Since each move is determined by the dice, players can stay in the moment without needing to remember previous turns or complicated rules.
For seniors dealing with memory loss, Trouble offers a straightforward and social experience. The rules are easy to follow, so they can stay focused without being confused. With every pop and move, the game creates a rhythm that can be soothing while still encouraging excitement.
Simple board games offer a wonderful mix of mental exercise, social connection, and fun. They’re easy to set up too! You don’t have to think too hard, you just pull out the board game and play a game with the person who needs your interaction.
Board games are just so good for them to do every day, as they provide them with a little bit of excitement, and challenge their mind without any pressure.
Regardless of what games you choose, there’s a game out there for every person suffering from memory loss. So don’t hesitate! Gather around the table, roll the dice, and enjoy the chance to laugh, connect, and make new memories, and the old memories come to life.
These types of games may appear simple or basic, but they are definitely not. The emotional and mental boosts they bring are anything but small.
