Games For Seniors In Peterborough

Games Enrich The Lives Of Seniors. 

As we get older, staying happy and healthy can take more effort. Joy and play can be harder to find in day-to-day life. However, they remain an important element in staying physically, mentally and emotionally healthy as a senior. Games for seniors are especially important. Playing games stimulates the brain, helps to improve memory, fosters social connection and, perhaps most importantly, brings doses of joy and laughter into the lives of seniors. The physical and mental boost provided by games for seniors has even been linked to a healthier immune system and a reduction of pain, stress and depression. 

Each senior has their own interests and abilities. That is why our Comfort Keepers caregivers are happy to include games for seniors as part of the in-home care and companionship services. With each client, we work to discover what sparks joy and enriches life. Stimulating the mind and elevating the spirit with gameplay is a natural fit for our philosophy of care. The addition of games and play to our senior care plans for clients in Peterborough and the surrounding area is provided by the special caregivers we call Comfort Keepers, to promote health, wellness, and independent living to its fullest. 

Games For Seniors As Part Of In-Home Senior Care. 

Playing games with seniors provides mental stimulation and lifts the spirit. Play should be part of everyone’s life, no matter their age. Whether it is playing cards, board games, charades or doing puzzles, games benefit seniors in many ways. Our Comfort Keepers are always happy to help their senior clients explore new ways to play or to revisit old favourites. 

Games For Improved Cognition And Mental Health. 

Senior adults are more at risk of cognitive issues such as memory loss or dementia. They are also vulnerable to depression and feelings of isolation. Playing games can help on both fronts by improving cognition and reducing the effects of poor mental health. 

For example, card games and board games can help improve memory, stimulate the mind and enhance brain function. Choosing games that rely on numbers, literacy, and colour for gameplay are especially beneficial. Some favourites among seniors are: 

• Rummy, Cribbage and Canasta  
• Checkers, Chess, Dominos and Scrabble

While games like Solitaire are beneficial in terms of stimulating the mind, games for seniors that involve a partner or teammate are even better. Our Comfort Keepers caregivers are happy to step in and play during an in-home visit. 

Manual Dexterity Can Be Exercised Through Gameplay. 

The loss of manual dexterity, while common, can be frustrating for seniors. Finding ways to exercise the hands can help to build strength, flexibility, and ease of movement. Not only does this type of game allow for some fun, but it can also improve the quality of other areas of a senior’s life. There are several games that are especially good in this regard. For example: 

• String games like Cat’s Cradle 
• Jenga, Pick Up Sticks other games that require the careful placement of blocks or pieces
• Operation and similar games requiring the use of holding tools and squeezing

Difficulties with dexterity shouldn’t limit a senior’s ability to find and enjoy a game that entertains. Having the support of a Comfort Keeper can be the companionship and reassurance a senior needs to try something new. 

 Seniors Benefit From The Opportunity To Think Creatively While Playing Games.

Play stimulates the imagination and can help seniors to adapt and problem-solve. This is especially true of games involving strategy and teamwork. Some examples of games for seniors that promote creative thinking are: 

• Pictionary and Cranium involve not only thinking creatively but getting creative with drawing and word-play. 
• Settlers of Catan or Ticket To Ride both require planning and responding to other players’ strategy in order to win. 

Successfully strategizing and doing well while playing games builds self-confidence for seniors. Additionally, games played in teams or against a companion offer seniors the benefits of social interaction, belonging, and a little healthy competition. 

Contact Comfort Keepers Peterborough To Learn More About Games For Seniors. 

If you or a senior in your family needs the in-home support and care of a Comfort Keeper caregiver in order to enjoy the many benefits of playing games, contact us today. We work collaboratively with our clients, their families and the healthcare team to create a personalized plan of care that keeps health, wellness, and joy top of mind. Click the link below to complete our online contact form or call 705-243-4042.