Word Games for Seniors and the Elderly

The brain is a pretty amazing organ.

It controls our physical bodies as well as our mental and emotional health. As famous author Sophie Monroe said, “The brain is an outstanding organ. It works 24/7, 365 from birth until you fall in love.” But jokes aside, the brain does fall into the Use It or Lose It Category. That’s why word games for seniors can be so beneficial to keep the brain working as you age. 

Download Our FREE Guide to Alzheimer’s

Benefits of Word Games for the Elderly

Similar to the way pushups work the arm muscles, word puzzles for seniors are a workout for the brain. Along with physical fitness, cognition is the other most important aspect for staying independent as you age. So keeping the brain functioning properly is crucial. Some studies have shown that word puzzles for elderly adults can hold off memory loss by up to two and a half years! There are other benefits, too, including:

• Memory: Word games like crossword puzzles make you recall information accurately. Playing word games regularly can help you retain information. 
• Vocabulary: Word games obviously use words, which means they can help both grow and retain vocabulary. 
• Creativity and Problem Solving: Word games often require the use of both creativity and problem solving skills, both of which contribute to effective cognitive function. 
• Concentration: Word puzzles aren’t typically quick like a game you might play on an app. They give you the chance to practice your focus and maintain your concentration.

Best Word Games for Seniors

The best word games for seniors offer some challenge without being overly difficult. Some are great to play alone, and others are perfect ways to socialize while also boosting your cognitive function. Here are some of our favorite easy word games for elderly adults:

• Scrabble is fun both to play alone and in a group setting. Use the Words with Friends app to play with others – both friends and strangers.
• Boggle is great for recognizing patterns.
• Crossword puzzles and word searches are good solo word games – you can buy books full of them or find a variety that are free to print online. 
• Games like Taboo, Scattergories, Pictionary and Catchphrase are also fun to play in groups. 

Word Games for Dementia Patients

While we wait in hope for a cure for dementia and other similar diseases that cause cognitive decline, we can use word games to help slow memory loss and support those already struggling with dementia. Word games help dementia patients by providing cognitive stimulation and triggering long-term recall. 

Some word games that can benefit dementia patients include things like finishing the phrase, (ie “a piece of _____”), word associations, and alphabet categories, like asking a patient to name as many animals as they can beginning with the letter B. Other word games like themed word searches that will include phrases they are familiar with can be helpful. 

Word games shouldn’t be the only thing you use to help keep your brain healthy. Physical activity, socializing, and a nutritious diet all impact brain health in a major way. But word puzzles are a great way to keep your brain active and working and can help stave off cognitive decline in conjunction with other healthy living activities.