Memory Games for Seniors

Forgetfulness is a part of old age and it is a sad fact. Statistics report show around 75% of senior people are concerned about their memory-related problems. Lapse of memory is not a disease and it could be reduced to a certain extent by engaging in brain exercises and memory games. The only solution to this problem is to constantly play memory-related games, which would help to keep your brain fit. Seniors, like kids, would love to play games. Some of the popular games that many senior citizens play even today are card games, bingo, Scrabble and Uno.

An elderly adult who has a memory problem could improve his memory by challenging his mind with puzzles, reading, crossword and other games. If you have grandchildren at home, take time out to play games with them. This would not only keep you mentally fit but also would be a good stress buster.

It would be a wise idea to pursue one of the hobbies that require concentration. For instance, a game of chess or solving a puzzle would mean racking your brain. This would enable you to retain your memory and enhance mental capabilities. Studies show that a cup of coffee would revive the memory of the people who have crossed 65 years of age. There are also reports to prove the memory of a senior adult would be the best in the morning and it wanes by evening.

One of the memory games a senior could play is crossword puzzle. You can either play it solely or else you could ask one of your friends or your spouse to join you. The first and foremost thing you need to do while playing crossword is to fill the crossword, using the clues given. You can always use a dictionary. The crossword puzzle is one of the memory games that young and the old love to play. This game would not only enhance your vocabulary but also keeps you mentally alert.

The seniors of a residential area should meet at least once a week or once in two weeks for a small tea party or a lunch get together. One of the party games seniors could play is the "I am going on a trip….". In this game, several senior adults sit in a circle. One of them should begin the game by saying, "I am going on a trip to some place, for instance, California, and in my holdall I am taking a pair of pants and a shirt." The second person would say, "I am going on a trip to California and in my holdall I am taking a pair of pants and a shirt, and a…. (Fill in the blank.)". Continue the game till it comes back to the first person. He has to tell the original line plus items added in the holdall. This game is fun and helps the seniors to improve their memory.

You could ask the senior to take a look at one of their favorite rooms, for instance, their bedroom for a minute. Ask him to leave the room. You can switch the articles in the room and also remove a few items from the shelves or dressing table. Ask the senior to come inside again and ask him to find out what is missing or which items have been switched. It would take some time for them to find out the missing and the switched items. But it is a fun game to improve one’s memory.

The other games that help to improve the long-term and the short-term memory of seniors are checkers, chess and monopoly. As one grows old one should take up various activities along with his senior friends. There are many activities for senior citizens to revitalize their memory and also to have fun.

Memory games for the senior citizens would help them to improve their memory, also alleviate loneliness and to an extent reduce their health problems. Many brain-related health problems such as Alzheimer's, dementia and anxiety could be controlled or reduced with memory games.