Would your rather play Quirkle or Scrabble?
If you are in the sandwich generation or living in a multigenerational arrangement, you may be looking for fun and meaningful ways to support the older adults in your life. One of the best tools? Critical thinking activities and brain games for senior adults.
Highlights:
If you’re part of the sandwich generation or living in a multigenerational household, brain games for senior adults can boost memory, problem-solving, and social connection. From puzzles and strategy games to creative arts and family-friendly activities, these engaging options improve cognitive function while strengthening relationships.
Jump to Section
Statistics show that brain games for senior adults enhance memory, problem-solving skills, mental flexibility, and concentration. Even better, they provide laughter, conversation, and multigenerational connections.
Types of Critical and Creative Thinking Activities
Puzzles
- Sudoku, crosswords, and jigsaw puzzles
Strategy games
- Chess, bridge, Quirkle, checkers
Word games
- Scrabble, Wordle, Bananagrams
Creative outlets
- Learning a new musical instrument
- Painting, drawing, knitting
- Exploring a new language
Social activities
- Book clubs
- Game nights
- Debate clubs
- Family dinners
These activities are not just pastimes. They increase neuroplasticity, improve cognitive function, enhance mental flexibility, and support overall mental well-being. Most importantly, they bring people together.
Getting Started Without Overwhelm
Sometimes seniors hesitate to try something new because they worry it’s too complicated or that they’re “too old” to learn the rules. A gentle start makes all the difference:
- For games, pair a new player with an experienced partner.
- For creative arts, encourage any level of participation.
- Celebrate small wins, whether it’s finishing a short puzzle or learning a single new word in another language.
Remember, trying something new can be intimidating at any age. But once seniors experience the joy of learning and connection, their confidence grows.
Why Brain Games for Senior Adults Work
Engaging in brain games for senior adults stimulates new connections in the brain, a process called neuroplasticity. This not only supports memory and problem-solving but also reduces stress and provides a sense of accomplishment. If the activity is social, it can prevent isolation and strengthen family or community bonds.
Family Fun That Spans Generations
At family reunions, we always have a puzzle table where everyone can join in. There are also some quiet moments spent together on old tavern puzzles. Talking, twisting the wire pieces of the Iron Heart, and coaching the younger ones.
While I’m not usually a fan of party games, we have had some stellar “Minute to Win It” competitions that mixed generations on teams. They created memorable moments filled with laughter. The younger generations were pretty impressed with the willingness of the great grandparents to participate!
Here are 10 games that seniors and kids can enjoy together:
- Uno
- Pictionary
- Tic Tac Toe
- Dominoes
- Scrabble
- Jigsaw puzzles
- Crosswords
- Beanbag toss
- Nature scavenger hunts
- Minute to Win It games
Another great option: table talk conversation cards. Print and cut them out, then leave them on the table to spark discussion. Add a twist by asking each person to share two reasons why when they answer. This not only promotes conversation but also exercises critical thinking. Get your free set of cards here or choose from additional question sets here.
Conclusion
Critical and creative thinking activities aren’t just about passing the time. They are about strengthening minds and building bonds. Whether it’s through puzzles, strategy games, or creative projects, brain games for senior adults offer benefits that ripple across generations. The next time your family gathers, try introducing one of these activities. You may be surprised at how much fun and connection they bring.
Note: There are computer app versions of many brain games. It’s certainly a way to challenge the brain, but it often lacks the social connections and interactions that bring so much joy.
Table talk: What games would you add to the list of games to play with seniors and kids? Would you rather play bean bag toss or Pictionary?
More about multigenerational living: https://tailorjoy.com/multigenerational-living/