The Elderly Playing Games: Benefits of Play for Older Adults

The power of play for children is well-established — but what about the benefits of play for adults? Research shows that seniors who spend time playing games with friends and family unlock a number of serious benefits to their mental and physical health. In this post, we’ll explore the value of play for adults and help you identify age-appropriate activities for older adults who could use a little extra play in their lives.

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The Value of Play for Adults

We generally associate the concept of “play” with young children still learning to navigate their world, but a growing body of research shows that adults can benefit just as much from dedicated play time. According to the National Institute for Play, “Play supports our mental health, improves our ability to relate to others, and increases our drive and hope for the future.”

Researchers have found that play helps adults:

• Relieve stress
• Improve brain function
• Boost creativity
• Improve and deepen relationships
• Boost energy levels
• Increase muscle tone and bone density

A survey conducted by the AARP found that 70% of respondents believe that playing games with friends supports cognitive health. Additionally, 66% of those surveyed felt that playing games enhanced their mental health and overall well-being. 58% felt that playing games helps them feel socially connected to others.

Fun Games for Older Adults

Card Games & Board Games

That same survey from the AARP found that card games were the most popular pastime among older adults, with 33% of respondents listing it as their preferred way to play with friends. They were followed closely by online games (27%) and board games (21%).

Speaking of online games…

Video Games
Research shows that more and more seniors are playing video games with the Entertainment Software Association reporting that 14% of video game players are over the age of 55. It’s been well-documented how video games can be a powerful tool for improving things like hand-eye coordination, but more recent research is showing it may have a surprisingly positive impact on memory.

One study found that adults in their 70s and 80s who played a video game for 30 minutes daily for two weeks before taking a memory test were able to improve their scores by approximately 12% — which happens to be about the same percentage a typical score on the test decreases between the ages of 45 and 70.

“It basically reversed 20 years’ worth of cognitive decline,” says Craig Stark, PhD, professor of neurobiology and behavior at the Center for the Neurobiology of Learning and Memory at the University of California, Irvine, who led the study.

Active Games for Older Adults

Low Impact Sports

If you’re looking for more active games for older adults, low impact sports like swimming, pickleball, and golf can provide the aforementioned mental health benefits while also helping to lower the risk of obesity or heart disease, lower cholesterol, and improve bone density.

Social Exercising

If your senior isn’t the competitive type, consider exercise options that include a social element like walking with friends, joining a tai chi or yoga class, or going dancing. Adults who exercise on a regular basis in their middle age are also one-third less likely to get Alzheimer’s disease in their 70s.

Intergenerational Play

Finally, if your senior has grandchildren, encourage them to get their hands dirty and let the child take the lead. Research shows that intergenerational relationships positively impact cognitive health in seniors. Older adults who play with children also burn 20% more calories per week, experience fewer falls, and are less likely to become reliant on walking aids.

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