Memory Games for Seniors: Extending and Improving Cognitive Function Through Games

Mom was always the backbone of the family. She managed the household, helped you and your siblings with math homework, and never missed an important date or birthday. However, yesterday, during your lunch date with her, she appeared to struggle with her money when she insisted on paying the bill and repeated a story about your sister three times.

Is this a permanent decline, or is there something you can do to help her combat declining memory and the ability to complete routine tasks?

Just like there is exercise for physical fitness, cognitive exercises may be a key component of improving and maintaining memory functioning. But what exercises or games are most beneficial?

Let’s explore the various exercises and types of memory games to help the senior adult in your life.

Do Memory Games Help Seniors?

Games can help seniors maintain a positive outlook and give them a sense of accomplishment. Some games may also provide opportunities for social interaction, which is particularly important for those with dementia or memory loss.

Studies have shown that keeping mentally active throughout life slows the risk of cognitive decline and the development of dementia.

Games that include reading, word-finding, and board games are especially effective for supporting mental clarity and slowing the progression of declines in the stages of dementia. They can also help reduce anxiety and depression and promote overall brain health.

What Type of Games Improve Memory?

Many types of games may improve memory, including number or word puzzles and games that require higher cognitive functioning, such as multitasking.

Functional requirements of the brain depend on the game and may include the use of various skills such as:

• Short and long-term memory recall

• Problem-solving abilities
• Use of expanded vocabulary
• Listening and processing skills
• Social conversation and interaction
• Utilizing both sides of the brain hemisphere with multitasking requirements

There are many games available on screens such as mobile devices and tablets, off screen like board games and puzzle books, along with many other options.

How do you choose the best approach for your senior loved one, and which games would benefit them the most? Additionally, are there free online memory games for seniors, or are there costs involved?

Explore the following games and suggestions to decide which games may be the best options along with the potential positive benefits!

10 of the Best Memory Games for Seniors

5 Free Memory Games for Seniors That Can Be Played on and Off Screen

#1: Sudoku

• How this game is played:
  • The puzzle-solver is given a 9×9 grid box where each individual box contains numbers 1 through 9.
  • Each box, along with the neighboring rows across and down, will contain numbers 1 through 9 without repeating to successfully solve the puzzle.
  • Some numbers are listed on the grid to begin the puzzle, and the levels of difficulty will vary per puzzle depending on the amount of numbers provided.

• Benefits:
  • There is a wide range of puzzles online and in book form.
  • Sudoku is usually an easy concept to grasp for most seniors.
  • Repetitive strategy is used for each puzzle.
  • Games like Sudoku can improve memory retrieval and stimulate other parts of the brain.
  • Sudoku exercises logic and processing skills.
  • Number recognition is promoted with repetitive use and logic.

#2: Crossword Puzzles

• How this game is played:
  • Clues are given for an answer with a given number of characters to fit in appropriate “across” or “down” in crossword puzzles.
  • Words become interlocking, utilizing common letters occurring between the answers.
• Benefits:
  • Crossword puzzles require exercise of word-finding skills.
  • Broad spectrums of vocabulary are encouraged in crossword puzzles.
  • Crosswords retrieve long-term memory and language skills.
  • These puzzles will potentially engage the puzzle-solver in conversation with others in attempts to solve the clues.

#3: Chess

• How this game is played:
  • This two-player, centuries-old board game has numerous playing pieces, each with unique rules of play and strategy.
  • Playing pieces are moved according to the individual rules attempting to capture the opponent’s queen.

• Benefits:
  • Chess can be mentally challenging.
  • Strategizing is a key component of this game, as the player is often attempting to predict multiple turns ahead of their opponent.
  • If the game is played in person, socialization is inevitable since it requires an opponent.

#4: Trivia Games

• How this game is played:
  • Trivia games test memory skills related to singular topics or a variety of topics depending on the games.
  • Examples of topics that could be included are general knowledge, literature, history, television/film, sports, etc.

• Benefits:
  • In-person games can promote socialization, conversation, and teamwork.
  • Cognitive skills are engaged — especially long-term memory — as the participants search for the correct answers to the questions.

#5: Card Matching Game

• How this game is played:
  • Utilize a memory game with images or words and match the pairs.
  • Many variations of matching games are available.
  • Matching games may be played individually, as a pair, or even in groups of people.

• Benefits:
  • Matching games can help improve short-term memory and attention to detail.
  • Integrating memory games into the daily routine of seniors can help preserve and even improve their cognitive functions.

5 Free Memory Games for Seniors That Can Be Played Without a Screen

#1: Switch It Up

• How this game is played:
  • Using their non-dominant hand, encourage the senior to attempt to complete the task that is normally completed with the dominant hand or extremity.
  • Examples:
    • Brushing their teeth
    • Writing/signing their name
    • Holding utensils and eating at mealtime

• Benefits:
  • Strengthening of the non-dominant extremity may increase.
  • This game may build new connections between brain cells.
  • This exercise may be especially beneficial in a rehabilitation setting.

#2: Jigsaw Puzzles

• How this game is played:
  • Connect pieces of the puzzle together.
  • Puzzles are ideal for individuals or small group participation.

• Benefits:
  • Jigsaw puzzles can help keep the brain active and sharp by engaging in problem-solving, spatial reasoning, and memory recall.
  • Jigsaw puzzles exercise the part of the brain that stores memories by requiring the player to remember different shapes, colors, and pieces.
  • The act of finding and connecting two correct pieces releases dopamine which is associated with happiness and an improved sense of well-being.
  • Picking up and moving puzzle pieces can help improve grip and refine motor skills which can stiffen with age.

#3: Backwards Counting

• How this game is played:
  • Count backwards by one or intervals of another chosen amount.

• Benefits:
  • Counting backwards requires a lot of focus and concentration and can help improve memory and attention skills.
  • Counting backwards can be challenging, especially when skipping numbers and may help develop problem-solving skills.
  • Counting backwards can help break up anxious thoughts by allowing the brain to focus on something logical.

#4: Bingo

• How this game is played:
  • A caller shouts a letter from the word “BINGO,” along with a corresponding number that may be present on the player’s Bingo card.
  • The player marks the called letters/numbers on their card(s).
  • The player shouts “Bingo” if the called letter and number sequence fill the line or pattern of the game.
• Benefits:
  • Feelings of inclusivity may occur if played with a group.
  • Bingo provides an outlet for social interaction.
  • Bingo can help sharpen cognitive functions and focus.
  • This game improves hand-eye coordination.

#5: The Picnic or Grocery Store Game

• How this game is played:
  • The first player “brings or buys something” that starts with the letter “A”.
  • The next player must repeat the letter “A” item (i.e. “apple juice”) and then add a “B” word (i.e. “beets”).
  • Players repeat and add items until someone forgets something and is out of the game. Repeat until there is a winner of the game.

• Benefits:
  • Short-term memory recall is exercised during this game.
  • Listening and processing cognitive skills are utilized repeatedly in this game.
  • Socialization is enhanced with peer interaction and conversation.

Senior Services of America Incorporates Memory Care Games for Seniors into Daily Activities

As there are many questions and concerns regarding appropriate and safe care for your loved one facing memory care concerns or dementia, know you are not alone. 

We understand how difficult it may be to witness cognitive declines in your loved one along with the continuing challenges the patient and family may encounter. 

Our team members at Senior Services of America communities are focused on providing the best physical, emotional, and memory support care for optimal quality of life in any of the later stages in life. 

Senior Services of America communities provide individualized and resident-centered care, incorporating memory care games and activities into daily routines, not just for events or special occasions.

Find a senior living community near you to discuss your loved one’s cognitive and memory care needs