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Stimulating the cognitive functions of seniors:8 games to practice

Stimulating the cognitive functions of seniors:8 games to practice

To keep their head and therefore their cognitive functions, seniors must be stimulated. To achieve this, they can read, watch films, maintain social ties with those around them, have physical activity, good nutrition and quality sleep. Thus, they reduce the risk of suffering from a neurological disease. Stimulation of cognitive functions can also be done through games. Which ? Here are eight to discover or rediscover.

Sudoku

Sudoku is a very practical game, which can be done everywhere! The principle is very simple:you have to fill in a grid with a series of numbers. Most often these are numbers between 1 and 9. But sometimes there are symbols or even letters. Each series must be present without duplicate both on a line and in a sub-part. In most cases, a grid consists of 9 squares of 9 cells (3 x 3). The difficulty varies depending on the grids and the number of symbols already in place. Whether you buy a gamebook with Sudoku puzzles or play Sudoku online, it's good for your brain.

Chess

Playing chess is much less trendy these days and that's a shame because chess is a beneficial board game at every age. It allows children to learn better, adults to be more competent in their work and seniors to preserve their cognitive functions. As a reminder, a chessboard is made up of sixty-four squares (32 light and 32 dark). Each player has 16 pieces either white or black:a king, a queen, two rooks, two bishops, two knights and eight pawns. The goal of a game of chess is to achieve checkmate. There are chess clubs where you can learn to play and meet other players. Do not hesitate to contact them!

Dominoes

Of Chinese origin, dominoes are a board game made up of 28 pieces. It can be played with 2 to 4 players. Because there is no complexity, this game appeals to all generations. The variations are very numerous. For seniors, the game is beneficial and delays neurological degeneration.

The Yahtzee

The Yahtzee is sometimes called the Yam's. This game of chance is played with 5 dice. The objective is to make combinations and win as many points as possible. The Yahtzee allows you to think, strategize and calculate scores.

Quizzes

Quizzes are great opportunities to work on your cognitive functions. Depending on your interests, you can do quizzes on cinema, music, geography, history... Always to preserve your cognitive functions, it is possible to do taste quizzes. The principle is simple, you have to taste food blind and guess what it is!

Bingo

Bingo is both a board game and a game of luck. Players must fill in a grid of randomly drawn numbers. The first to finish wins the game or a gift. You should know that bingo is very often offered by associations. The game is ideal for maintaining social ties.

The memory

Memory is a game that is often offered to children but which is ideal for maintaining their memory and preserving their cognitive functions. To play, you have to shuffle cards that go in pairs and then spread them out on a table. Then you have to find pairs. If a player discovers a pair, he plays again. Otherwise, he must turn over the cards.

Card games

All card games are perfect for stimulating cognitive functions. It is possible to play:

  • alone,
  • at the tarot,
  • to belote,
  • rummy,
  • at bridge…

The list is long ! The advantage of the cards is that it is possible to play solo, in duos, in teams. Once again, these games help maintain social ties.

What about online games?

There are a huge number of online games. Some are great for boosting cognitive functions. All the games mentioned above are available online. There are also games of logic, memory and patience.

In the same spirit, the consoles offer games for the whole family that can stimulate your brain. You can not only progress but also compete with other players. All consoles have their versions. It is even possible to find second-hand consoles and games at reduced prices.

In any case, it is essential to be followed by professionals if you have any concerns or family history. Thanks to monitoring and a healthy lifestyle, it is possible to maintain cognitive functions for as long as possible.