Whether you’re enjoying your recent transition into an older adult or have been powering through this phase of life for a while, maintaining your cognitive functions is a critical priority. The reason is simple. Keeping your cognitive skills in check not only helps your quality of life but also helps you stay independent. Suppose you are able to maintain your critical brain functions such as overall memory, reasoning, and information processing speed.
Then you can reap the rewards that you have worked for all your life without completely depending on others. Fortunately, achieving these goals is not impossible. In fact, this objective can be achieved by something as easy and as fun as board games and classic games. Whether it’s a trivia game such as Boom Againor a strategy game such as chess, keeping yourself sharp is just a matter of choosing a fun way to pass your time.
1. Games Can Help You With Cognitive Functions
Over the past few years, playing board games and classic games has emerged as one of the easiest ways to maintain cognitive abilities for older adults. According to various experts in the field of brain health and memory exercise, these games are an excellent method to deliver an ideal level of mental stimulation to players. Through their requirements of social interaction, mental focus, and problem-solving, these games can help seniors retain critical brain functions that may otherwise deteriorate over the years.
Since these games require no physical exertion but provide plenty of benefits, they are now considered as a critical senior care tool by various experts and facilities. Whether you take the advice of a standalone expert or an established assisted living facility, you are bound to see games being recommended as a way to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
2. Experts Vouch for These Benefits Through Various Studies
The beneficial aspect of games for cognitive functions has been seen through various independent studies over the years. According to research from the University of Wisconsin-Madison, those who play games on a consistent basis tend to show a higher brain volume as compared to those who play little to no games. This particular finding is also backed by a recent study from the University of Edinburgh, which showed that seniors who increased their game playing show better memory and critical thinking skills than those who stay away from these activities.
Similar studies have also been conducted through various other outlets, which show positive results in favor of games and their overall benefits towards keeping players sharp as a tack even at an older age. The best part? These benefits apply to a variety of classic games and board games, which means that you don’t have to stick to the same slew of games or a life of boredom to maintain your brain health. You Can Choose From Various OptionsClassic games or board games are general terms for a variety of puzzle, interactive, strategy, as well as card games. When you look into the specifics, you can find a range of options that comprise popular types of games.
No matter if you are playing these games with your family members, your friends, or even a community of unknown players who simply share your interest in the game itself, you can take full advantage of what these options bring to the table. Each of these games contributes to overall cognitive functions. But some of them are largely associated with specific areas or segments of brain function. With that being said, all of these games stand apart in terms of their benefits. Some of the most popular and modern options include the following types of games.
3. Classic Games
Classic games such as chess and Sudoku need no introduction. With consistent practice, they can help with your reasoning and problem-solving skills. Since these games are widely accessible and easily playable, you can indulge in them all by yourself. However, it’s healthier and more beneficial if you play them with a partner.
4. Card Games
Card games typically include options such as poker and bridge. Along with helping your communication and critical thinking skills, these games also boost your social activity. When you play these games with select friends or even strangers, they can offer your brain the stimulation it needs for response time and reflexes.
5. Trivia Games
Trivia games such as Boom Again use information from past events and gamify it for memory exercise, social interaction, and mental reflexes. When you play games that relate to your interests such as the era of your childhood or adulthood, you can find more engagement in them. As a result, you can sharpen your mind through consistent sessions with your chosen social group.
6. Strategy Games
Strategy games such as Catan also stand out in terms of boosting your critical thinking as well as problem-solving skills. They are also great at improving your reflexes and help with your mental processing speed. If you continue playing such games that are engaging and mentally stimulating, it can help you keep your cognitive functions in check.
7. It is About Finding Stimulation With a Variety of Games
According to experts from Harvard Health, striking the right balance between your choice of games is the right approach to sharpen your cognitive abilities. For instance, if you continue playing a single type of game, it may not stimulate your brain in an ideal manner due to your mental reflexes being used to their requirements. In order to give your brain the friendly challenge that it needs to stay sharp, you should continue trying out different games.
This ensures that you are reaping the benefits that you require out of these activities. To make sure that you are obtaining the ideal advantages from these games, you should also ensure to follow a healthy physical and social routine. This boosts the positive mental effects of your games and allows you to stay sharp as you continue to enjoy life to its fullest
