Growing up I learned that the best way to have a successful, happy life was to be a hard working, productive person. I always accepted that game playing was okay only after all your chores and other necessary things were finished. Since there always seemed to be more important things to do, I seldom allowed myself the luxury of playing games.
Now I am about to enter my eighth decade and thankfully have begun to appreciate what game playing can do for seniors like me. Even now after all these years it is important for me to think that there is true benefit from playing games and that I am not just wasting my time. I am relieved that every single article or study I reviewed indicates that while games are really enjoyable for seniors, they also provide many benefits from stress reduction to improvement in cognitive abilities
Marthe Francois, the Recreation Director of a large Canadian retirement community, says people love games mostly because they are fun! Whether we are young or old, games connect us with those around us in a meaningful and enjoyable way. She believes that any activity that encourages learning and engaging our minds benefits seniors, but game playing is more essential than others. She says “play motivates the senses, invigorates the imagination, and keeps the memory sharp.”
Aging experts agree that playing card and board games regularly can help with age-related memory loss because stimulating the brain with the numbers, letters, colours, etc, in games enhances brain function. However the benefits go far beyond this. Juliana McLeod, Recreational Therapist and wellness expert, at All Seniors Care in Toronto, says the benefits of game playing include the following:
– Encourages Interaction with Others. Seniors’ quality of life is highly related to social interactions, which are a very important aspect of their sense of well being. Playing games regularly with a friends or in a group at your senior center can prevent isolation and loneliness, which are issues faced by many seniors. Talking and interacting with others during game play provides a great opportunity to get to know each other and build friendships.
– Play Is Essential for Your Brain. Experts on aging say that playing games can help keep seniors’ minds sharp long after retirement. An article in AARP says that Warren Buffett, 84, an accomplished bridge player, said he would not mind going to jail if he had 3 good bridge players as his cell mates.
– Reduces the Risk of Cognitive Decline. A British Medical Journal study says the risk of dementia was 15 percent lower in board-game players than in non-players. The Journal of Gerontology reported that the more you played games, the higher your cognitive function at 70 and the less cognitive decline from age 70 to 79.
– Game Playing Creates More Happiness. Ms. McLeod writes that playing games triggers the release of endorphins, the body’s natural feel good chemicals, which can leave a person feeling more cheerful, compassionate, and happy.
– Increase Physical Activity with Games. Games like Wii Sports can help seniors improve balance, coordination and reflexes due to the quick decision making and action required during play. These games are among the most popular at senior centers and provide opportunities for interaction, team building and exercise.
I was not surprised that many seniors enjoy card and board games but I was surprised by the findings of an AARP survey of people 50 and older. Their research found that video games are more popular than ever with seniors and even more popular among women than men. Their survey showed that the number of older adults who play video games frequently has grown from 40.2 million gamers in 2016 to 50.6 million in 2019. They defined video games as any interactive digital entertainment played via a computer, a game console, or a phone or tablet but most seniors play the games on their phones or other mobile devices.
Video games have many benefits for seniors. They can be played with others or alone. They are immersive, challenging, and improve hand-eye coordination. Research shows after playing online games, seniors had a boost in brain activity on par with younger people.
For seniors who may have physical or cognitive limitations, many games can be modified to meet their needs. Large cards can be used for those with vision problems and many games can be finished in less than 30 minutes for those who have attention span issues. Card holders can be used for seniors with physical limitations such as arthritis.
Every study or article I reviewed agreed that games provide an excellent, convenient way for seniors to have fun alone or as part of a group. They are also the perfect way to connect different generations in your family. They combine social interaction, mental stimulation, and enjoyment, all of which are beneficial for everyone but especially for seniors.
If you are a senior or have a loved one who is, give game playing a try. Many community centers and senior centers provide opportunities to improve your game skills or learn new ones. You may find that something as simple as playing a game of cards with a friend or family member not only helps with retaining mental sharpness but can also provide you with a memorable afternoon of fun!
Some additional resources:
https://srgtexas.com/respite/keep-your-brain-fit-with-card-games/
https://playingcarddecks.com/blogs/all-in/5-unexpected-benefits-of-playing-cards
https://stillwaterseniorliving.com/2022/08/07/benefits-of-playing-card-games-with-older-americans/
https://www.oscartsenior.com/blog/why-should-elderl-play-games
https://livingmaples.com/mag/the-benefts-of-games-for-older-adults/