Skip to main content

Brain Games for Seniors


We all know that even as seniors, physical exercise is important to maintaining healthy bodies but medical experts want us to remember that mental exercise is also essential to good brain health. Luckily there are many fun and entertaining ways to exercise our mind and include an array of games on our tablets or computers as well as ones that only need pen and paper. Games like Sudoku, mahjong, chess, crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and solitaire are enjoyable and challenging ways to improve memory and stimulate the brain.

Moreover, there is good evidence that supports this claim such as the study from the Albert Einstein College of Medicine. The research team conducted a long-term study that found seniors who did crosswords four days a week had a 47 percent lower risk of dementia than those who only did them once a week.

Also, while there is the perception that chess is only for those who are very intelligent, it turns out the skills used to play a good game of chess are ones we all should cultivate as they may make us smarter. Experts say chess encourages “concentration and focus around ‘if then’ thinking, which is useful when making decisions.” The game forces you to think a few steps ahead and that type of thinking can be especially helpful for older people who are navigating options in life and could use a little help with creative thinking.

The good news is that many of these types of games are free or cost very little and even the Internet offers lots of options. To play a game of solitaire, you only need a deck of cards but playing on your tablet offers many different varieties of games of which some may be new to you. Crossword and Sudoku books as well as jigsaw puzzles can be ordered online and are very reasonably priced for entertainment you get from them. They also make great gifts for seniors.

MorningStar’s senior housing in Kirkland, WA offers stylish, no-maintenance apartments, a variety of onsite amenities, and a broad community of friends. Located in the beautiful Totem Lake area, we have direct access to both private and public walking paths and are minutes from Juanita Bay, the Sammamish River Trail, and Sammamish Valley Park. The top-ranked Evergreen Medical Center is a couple of blocks away and Seattle only 20 minutes to the southwest. Please contact us or visit our website for more information about MorningStar of Kirkland.

MorningStar of Kirkland offers the very best in senior living with our distinct mission statement of “to honor, to value, to invest.” Our foundation is built on honoring God, valuing all seniors and selecting staff with a felt calling to serve to create an atmosphere that promotes a healthy, engaged lifestyle. Please contact us to learn more about the finest senior housing Kirkland, WA has to offer.


Source: sixtyandme.com/keep-your-brain-buzzing-with-these-free-brain-games-for-seniors/

Labels

Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Be an Active Partner in Your Medical Care

Experts suggest that a good way to reduce medical errors regarding your care or that of a loved one is to be an active partner in the process whether in a hospital setting, doctors’ office or the pharmacy. In fact, a study showed 7% of hospitalized patients experienced an event that was considered preventable which negatively affected their health. Furthermore, harmful errors in primary and outpatient health care settings are typically related to diagnoses, prescriptions and use of medicines. Mistakes associated with misdiagnosis result in delayed treatment for the real problem and having the wrong medications prescribed or supplied can cause serious complications. However, it is important to keep in mind that some medical errors are a result of patients failing to disclose all the medications they take including prescription and over-the-counter drugs. Another problem is the failure to reveal pertinent details regarding a person’s prior medical history as well as lifestyle habits s...
Post a Comment
Read more

How Many Steps Per Day for Better Health?

  We have all heard about the value of walking 10,000 steps a day but recent studies show it may not actually be the magic number. One study published by JAMA found walking 7,000 steps or more a day may decrease the risk for mortality and offer better overall health. In the cohort study of 2110 adults with a mean follow-up of 10.8 years, participants who walked at least 7000 steps a day, compared with those taking fewer than 7000 steps, had a 50% to 70% lower risk of mortality. Researchers also noted, “There was no association of step intensity with mortality regardless of adjustment for step volume.” A 2020 study found a decreased risk for mortality in participants who took 8,000 steps a day than those who only took 4,000 steps a day. In the same year, another study found more steps taken each day were linked to lower rates of diabetes. Researchers say the bottom line is evidence points to the importance of increased physical activity. Before you begin walking, talk to your health...
Post a Comment
Read more

Hosting a Senior-Friendly Book Swap Event

For book lovers, there’s nothing better than finding new stories to dive into and sharing favorite reads with friends. Hosting a book swap event is a fun, budget-friendly way for seniors to exchange books, explore new genres, and connect over a shared love of reading. Choose a Cozy, Accessible Space The first step in planning a book swap is choosing a comfortable, accessible space. A common room or a cozy corner in senior living Kirkland is ideal. Arrange seating in a circle or create small areas where people can gather, sit, and chat. Add a table or shelf for displaying the books, so everyone can browse easily. Decorating with a few simple touches—like tablecloths, flowers, or even book-themed decorations—adds warmth and excitement. A welcoming atmosphere encourages everyone to relax, explore, and enjoy the event. Invite Participants to Bring a Book (or Two) The beauty of a book swap is that everyone contributes! Ask each participant to bring one or two gently-used books they’re read...
Post a Comment
Read more