Brain Games That Are Great For Seniors

If your mom or dad is living independently it’s not just their physical health that you need to be concerned about. You also need to think about their mental health, especially how loneliness can affect a senior living alone. Companion care at home services can help.

Companion Care at Home Totowa NJ – Brain Games That Are Great For Seniors

Often seniors who are living at home have a higher risk of becoming lonely because they don’t get a lot of social interaction. Even if you visit them as often as you can that may not be enough social interaction to keep your mom or dad healthy and happy.

Loneliness can impact your mom or dad’s physical health as well as their mental health. Lonely seniors may have a higher risk of developing dementia, as well as a higher risk of developing depression and anxiety.

If your mom or dad has companion care at home they will get regular visits from a care provider that can engage them in conversations, do activities with them, and play games with them.

Playing games can help your mom or dad improve their manual dexterity, retain their grip strength, and improve their brain health. Playing “brain games” or games that stimulate cognitive function may help lower your mom or dad’s risk of dementia.

Some of the best “brain games” that your mom or dad can play with you, or with a companion, are:

Crossword Puzzles

Crossword puzzles are classic brain teasers that challenge vocabulary, memory, and problem-solving skills. They’re perfect for seniors who enjoy language-based activities. If your mom or dad likes brain teasers and crossword puzzles they are easy to access.

Crosswords can be found in newspapers, puzzle books, or even apps. Starting with simple puzzles and gradually progressing to more difficult ones can provide ongoing mental stimulation.

Sudoku

Sudoku is a popular number-based puzzle that exercises logical thinking and pattern recognition. The goal is to fill a 9×9 grid with numbers so that each column, row, and smaller 3×3 section contains all digits from 1 to 9. Sudoku puzzles come in varying difficulty levels, making them accessible to beginners and seasoned players alike.

Your mom or dad can play Sudoku alone or with a companion to help them. Many seniors enjoy doing Sudoku puzzles online.

Memory Card Games

Memory card games, such as matching pairs or concentration, are excellent for boosting short-term memory. The objective is to match cards with the same design by flipping them over two at a time. This game is easy to play, doesn’t require much setup, and can be enjoyed solo or with others.

Playing memory card games is a wonderful way for your mom or dad to spend time with a companion who is there to provide companion care at home.

Jigsaw Puzzles

Jigsaw puzzles are great for improving spatial awareness, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail. Seniors can choose puzzles with themes that interest them, such as landscapes, animals, or art. Working on a puzzle over time can provide a sense of accomplishment and a calming activity for relaxation.

Chess or Checkers

Strategy games like chess or checkers challenge critical thinking, planning, and decision-making. Chess, in particular, is a complex game that requires players to think several moves ahead. Checkers is a simpler alternative but still engages the brain. Both games can be played in person or online, which makes it easy for your mom or dad to play whenever they want to with other people.

If you or a senior family member are considering hiring Companion Care at Home Services in Totowa NJ, please get in touch with the caring staff at Caring Solutions Home Care LLC.

Providing in-home senior care, servicing Bergen & Passaic Counties. Call today at (973) 427-3553.