Word Games for Seniors
Word games are a fun way to help connect seniors and caregivers together while promoting brain health and function. Playing word games can improve memory and executive function at all ages, but it’s particularly important for seniors.
In this article, we’re going to review the benefits of word games and share some examples that are helpful at various stages of cognition. The benefits can vary person to person, and games should be adapted accordingly.
Think about the brain as a muscle. When you regularly exercise it, the muscle is going to tighten and improve its overall health. As we get older, the brain can begin to deteriorate with lower levels of activity and engagement.
Playing word games with caregivers can improve brain function, slow cognitive decline, and support overall well-being.
The recall required in word searches, crosswords, or Scrabble acts like “reps” for short-term and long-term memory.
The recall required in word searches, crosswords, or Scrabble acts like “reps” for short-term and long-term memory.
Following game rules and thinking through letter combinations strengthens concentration—similar to holding a balance pose in yoga.
Just as there are many mental health benefits of word games, there are many emotional and social benefits too.
Each game is an achievement and a task completed: a goal achieved. This contributes heavily to seniors’ ability to find purpose and keeps them mentally sharp and focused.
Following game rules and thinking through letter combinations strengthens concentration—similar to holding a balance pose in yoga.
Playing with family, friends, or peers is like joining a group exercise class. This helps seniors feel less isolated and more engaged.
It may be harder later in life for older adults to create and maintain new friendships. Word games can present an opportunity to invite an older adult into an activity one on one, or in a small group that can encourage meeting new people. Take time to point out words that might be more significant to them or pertain to their career, making the game into a storytelling and reminiscing opportunity.
There are so many word games, here is a curated list of activities that are designed to be accessible for various levels of engagement. Feel free to adapt them as needed.
When paired in combination with exercise, nutrition-rich diets, and other lifestyle changes, word games can have a positive impact on cognitive health. This can help with the brain slowing down as we age, giving the brain a boost (like a workout).
The best ones require some form of recall and putting different thoughts together at the same time. Some good examples are: crossword puzzles, Scrabble, and word searches. They help to maintain vocabulary, and promote skills like focus and centration, and verbal memory.
There is not yet a cure for dementia, however, the impact can be slowed or delayed. Word games alone won’t prevent dementia. It takes playing word games in combination with other activities and lifestyle changes. There are several modifiable risk factors for dementia, and education is one of them.
One of the easiest ways that you can develop and maintain trusting, long-term relationships with clients is by playing word games with them. It’s a simple yet powerful tool to improve mental and social well-being in older adults who want to age in place.
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