Games

Bingo

Scientific studies are revealing that playing bingo can have some not-so-obvious benefits. Winning is a great joy, but most seniors don’t only play to win. They actually enjoy the excitement and social atmosphere. Bingo players are quicker and more accurate than non-bingo players. The game brings seniors together while providing them a sense of belonging in the community. And, most importantly, simply relaxing while playing a game with friends helps reduce stress and depression among seniors, improving their physical health.

Card Games

It is not a brain teaser to know card games are a hit with seniors. Playing cards is one activity that many people have enjoyed all their lives. Continuing to play card games will help seniors maintain their brainpower as they age. What better way to keep mentally fit than to get together with friends to learn a new game or enjoy an old favorite? Improve your memory and math skills.

• Pinochle – A trick-taking card game typically for two to four players and played with a 48 card deck. Players score points by trick-taking and also by forming combinations of cards into melds.
• Party Bridge – A trick-taking game using a standard 52-card deck. It is played by four players in two competing partnerships, with partners sitting opposite each other around a table.
• Hand & Foot – A Canasta variant involving four to six decks rather than two and is played by teams of two players. This version is played with a hand and a foot, unlike traditional canasta that just has a hand. Some players feel this version is more enjoyable for beginners.
• 5 Crowns – Five Crowns™ is a progressive rummy-style game that has five suits. Having five suits changes the strategy and dynamics of the game. The Rules of Five Crowns are fairly simple, and the game comes with two full decks so that you can play with any number of players from two to seven.
  
• Rummikub – Rummikub™ is a tile-based game for 2 to 4 players, combining elements of the card game rummy and mahjong.
• Skip-Bo – Skip-Bo™ is the ultimate sequencing card game from the makers of UNO®! Players use skill and strategy to create stacks of sequentially numbered, ascending cards (2,3,4…) until they have no more left to play.
• Bunco – Bunco™ is a parlor game. The object is to score points wile taking turns rolling three dice in a series of rounds.
• Mahjong – Similar to the Western card game rummy, mahjong is a game of skill, strategy, and luck. To distinguish it from mahjong solitaire, it is sometimes referred to as mahjong rummy. The game is played with a set of 144 tiles based on Chinese characters and symbols, although many regional variations may omit some tiles.

Jigsaw Puzzles

A great number of seniors love the challenge of a good puzzle. But when you think of puzzles, what type comes to mind? Most people think of crossword or jigsaw puzzles. Both of these puzzle types are an excellent way to keep the mind active while passing the time alone or with friends.

Just as physical exercise is important for keeping the body strong and healthy, mental exercise is important for keeping the mind alert and our cognitive abilities functioning to their best capacity.