Playing games can be a great way to build mental acuity, provide socialization, and add fun for residents in nursing homes. No matter what game they are playing, they all have positive effects.
There are several great games for elderly people in nursing homes; often, the best games implement skills and joy. Some examples include card or board games, puzzles, or technology-enhanced games.
In this article, we will look at a variety of available games for seniors in nursing homes – whether traditional or modern, simple or complex – there are games available for everybody.
Playing Cards
Card games are most often associated with positive benefits for people of all ages. These are particularly important for those at younger or older ages. Some of the most important benefits include:
- They facilitate bonding.
- They help strengthen and develop fine motor skills.
- They enhance strategic thinking and memory.
Of course, there are many more benefits to playing this game. These are just a few examples. Below we will discuss some of the most popular card games that will include these benefits for elderly people in nursing homes.
UNO
This traditional, popular American card game will keep all residents on their toes. While there are many rules to this game, the main objective is to gain 500 points before anyone else to win the game. Typically the amount of players ranges from two to ten. UNO also allows more players for more fun!
Just remember: when you are down to that last card, don’t forget to say “UNO!”
Bridge
Residents will have fun with this classic Bridge game set! Players will have access to a large score pad to keep track of all their winnings. The objective is to gain points from the number of tricks you and your partner bid prior to the game starting. If, however, the bid was less than the amount made, there are penalty points. The concept is similar to bidding in an auction. Hopefully, everyone has some great tricks up their sleeve!
Casino
Casino, also spelled Cassino, is a card game similar to Go Fish. However, to play this game, all they need is a standard deck of 52 cards. The objective is to gain as many points as possible from the cards until a player reaches 21 points. Various factors determine the points. This card game can be played with two to four players and offers lots of entertainment for everybody.
Canasta
Following in the “Rummy” family, Canasta is a fun, senior-friendly game for those in nursing homes. This game can be played with two to four players, although game variations are available for up to six players. The main objective is to outscore the opposing team by forming “melds” (three or more combinations of cards of the same ranking). Once there are seven cards in a meld, it is considered Canasta.
If you like competing, this is surely your game.
Gin Rummy
Yet another variant of the “Rummy” family, Gin Rummy, is a simple, two-player card game that is fun for all ages. All that’s needed is a standard 52-card deck and a positive attitude. The game’s objective is to reach a certain amount of points that you and the opposing member agreed on before starting the game. Similar to Canasta, players will form melds along with eliminating deadwood, which are cards that are not part of a meld.
There are explanations of the rules to the game in the featured book, information on scoring systems, and even some tried and true methods for help in winning the game.
Euchre
Euchre is considered a trick-taking card game (like Bridge) and played with 24 to 32 cards. Four players are formed into two partnerships. The objective is for the partnership to win ten points with their best tricks.
The featured game set comes with cards, four card holders, game instructions, and even a score pad. This widely popular game will be certain to bring a smile to residents’ faces throughout many, many games.
Crazy Eights
Not only is Crazy Eights an entertaining card game, but the featured cards to come along with it make it even more special. Who wouldn’t want to have fun with some party animals?
This card game is made for two to seven players, and the overall objective of the game is to be the first player to shed or discard all of their cards. The eight’s are considered wild cards. The card can be played at any time and represent any suit you need them to be. Surely, the more people, the merrier in this game.
War
While there are many variations of the war game, typically, all that is needed are two positive players, a standard card deck of 52 cards, and of course, a winner.
This game is very popular among card games. The rules, too, are fairly simple. Each player places a card from their deck face up. The person with the highest-ranking card takes both cards, and by the end, the winner will have the most cards. The name “War” is for when there is a tie in ranking among the cards. Then there is a battle to see who will win the cards.
Go Fish
Typically Go Fish is played with two to five players, but the game can be played with up to ten players. This is a popular game among all ages, making few a stranger to it. The objective is for the player to have the most four of a kind cards by the end or the most “books.” To do this, players simply go around the group asking if other players have cards of similar ranking or pairings, and if not, they “Go Fish” by grabbing a card from the top of the deck.
Board Games
Board games are popular among people of all ages because they are often responsible for fun and engaging play, the increase of brain functioning, assisting in practicing cognitive skills, and facilitating bonding experiences. Below we have listed a few of the most common and popular board games for elderly people in nursing homes.
- Chess: Chess is a great board game for rainy days, entertainment with family and friends, or even just competing with the best of the best. It is a great way to improve strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
- Checkers: Playing this fun, classic two-player game will be sure to keep residents in nursing homes busy for hours on end. Not only is it entertaining, but it is great for improving logic and cognitive skills for everybody.
- Bingo: Grab your playing cards, take a seat, and wait for the win! Bingo is a traditional and fun game that provides for hours of entertainment. Don’t forget – when you get all the spaces, call out “BINGO!”
- Mancala: A game that has been around for thousands of years, and it still never ceases to entertain. It is also great for strengthening critical thinking skills as you plan ahead to beat your opponent(s).
- Scrabble: This is a fun game that continues to be a joy for all ages, especially older adults. Not only is it great for improving vocabulary, but it also encourages concentration, reduces blood pressure, and improves memory.
- Jenga: If you are looking for a game that is more “hands-on,” then Jenga is the one for you! It helps improve manual dexterity and fine motor skills as well. Just make sure you’re not the one knocking the structure down!
- Mahjong: This game has been around for centuries and continues to be a fun, strategic game. This is perfect for residents in nursing homes! It also helps improve memory and strategy skills. The set comes with everything you need, from the tiles to the dice, and even a carrying case.
- Dominoes: We don’t know about you, but we have found dominoes to be a great game for reducing stress and for calming the mind. It’s perfect for two or more players and is fun for elderly people to bond in the nursing home.
- Marbles: Everyone has enjoyed marbles at some point in their lives, but there is no need for that to stop. Marbles is a game for two to four players, and the objective is for the first player to get all of their marbles “home.” A fun, challenging game that will keep everyone on their toes!
- Cribbage: This tabletop, brain-teasing game will provide entertainment for everyone. This set includes a standard deck of cards, the board, and nine pegs for two to four people to play. The goal is to be the first person to reach 121 points. So make sure you have your game face on!
- Yahtzee: Another classic for more entertainment. Included with this featured set are the dice and scorecards. This game is easily accessible and is great for improving strategy skills. Nobody would want to miss out on this game!
Puzzles
Activities of all kinds are important for elderly people to prevent boredom. Puzzles are an easy way for people to become occupied and entertained. They are even known to boost people’s moods, give them a sense of accomplishment, improve manual dexterity, and just provide a lot of fun. Below we list some different puzzle games that are sure to get nursing home residents excited.
- Crosswords: These crossword puzzles range from easy to difficult for people of all skill levels. This game involves guessing and executive functioning behaviors. Another perk of this featured game is in large print so that they are easier for the elderly to see. Once completed, they will be masters at crossword puzzles!
- Brain Games: There are many types of brain games available for people of all ages. We chose this book to feature because it offers various brain teasers that target different functions, such as long-term memory or executive functioning.
- Sudoku: This numbers game is one of the best solo activities for stimulating the mind and memory. Nursing home residents will have fun completing these varying expert leveled games and will keep them occupied for hours. The featured book contains over 1000 games for everyone!
- Puzzles: A balance of challenge and engagement, this classic jigsaw puzzle is great for people of all ages. The featured puzzle is a beautifully designed and crafted piece that can readily be used repeatedly. It is even created with larger cardboard pieces to make placing them a bit easier.
- Word Search: A visually appealing game makes searching for words fun. There are over 250 puzzles to complete in the featured book, which makes for many hours of entertainment. They are even in large print for the elderly residents to see.
Computer or Technology Games
The world is becoming more and more technologically advanced. With that, more games are being created for online entertainment. Not surprisingly, these games also have many benefits associated with them – from strengthening visual-spatial skills to using more creativity – nothing stops these games from being just as great as more traditional ones. We have listed some of the most popular ones below.
- Tetris: This is a puzzle game with the player’s objective of gaining as many points as possible by eliminating the horizontal blocks. As players get more points and become more experienced, the game levels become more challenging. It is always lots of fun!
- Candy Crush Saga: Millions of people across the world love this game. The more you win, the more you progress. All the player has to do is match three or more candies in a row to help eliminate the board. The challenges will leave the elderly wanting more.
- Bejeweled: A PC game that allows for multiple online players to enjoy. It’s very similar to Candy Crush but excludes the amazing sweets. Instead, players are focused on matching three or more jewels to win.
- Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?: We are excited to announce that Sony has developed a fun and engaging video game that closely resembles the classic game show, “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?” This game is a great way to test knowledge and have fun with trivia questions.
Physical Activity Games
Children aren’t the only ones that can enjoy physical activity. As people age, their bones begin to shrink and become frailer. Further, muscles and joints begin to lose their flexibility and strength. But elderly-friendly physical activity games can help reduce blood pressure, reduce the risk of coronary disease, and help maintain bone structure all by having fun at the same time.
We will discuss some of the most popular physical activity games below.
- Croquet: This featured set comes with all of the mallets, stakes, balls, and wickets necessary for a great game. This game is perfect for outdoor activities as it is low impact, mentally stimulating, and great for socialization.
- Bowling: Going to a bowling alley may not be an option, but there is no reason that nursing home residents can’t have the same amount of fun. This bowling set comes with everything necessary for the game – ten pins, two balls, and a mesh bag for all of the supplies. With this bowling set, there will be many indoor and outdoor games to come.
- Cornhole: A quality set for hours of indoor or outdoor fun. This game is another great low impact game for elderly people that also strengthens manual dexterity, improves coordination, and can even boost self-esteem.
- Golf: Golf has long been a favorite for many people, so it shouldn’t be a surprise that it’s considered one of the best games for elderly people. Although they might not be able to make it onto the actual course, this set is a personal golf game that can be played inside or outside. There are many benefits to playing golf, including improvements in walking and balance, strengthening cognitive processing, and encouraging more socialization.
- Shuffleboard: The featured set is actually a portable tabletop that serves as both a shuffleboard or a curling table. Therefore, there is limitless fun from this one board for people of all ages.
- Pool: Yet another two-in-one game, this pool table also features a ping-pong board for double the fun. Both are great indoor activities for residents in nursing homes and are low-impact for the safest of fun. It is sure to keep everybody entertained for hours on end!
Trying Something New
Practically anything can be made into some kind of game. For the elderly people that aren’t as interested in board games, cards, or puzzles, there are still options available for them. Some ideas can include:
- Doing some arts and crafts. This could be in the form of drawing, scrapbooking, or any other form of craft. There are several ideas available on Pinterest for these things.
- Fun workout classes. Some ideas could be chair yoga, sneakers classes, or water aerobics. All can be low impact and extra fun!
- Testing their green thumb. Gardening can be a great stress reliever and extremely beneficial for people. This can be a way for them to bring out their caring sides as well.
Of course, these are just a few ideas that could get them started. All of these activities can be turned into “games” or just fun adventures for elderly residents in nursing homes.
Conclusion
This article discussed 35 fun, entertaining, and beneficial games for elderly people in nursing homes. Of course, there are many more games available for residents to play, but this is a great starting point for endless opportunities. From card games to technology games to low-impact physical activity – the options are limitless! These options are great for finding the best games for residents to play so they can make the most out of their stay.
