You’re never too old to play games, especially when they’re proven to improve everything from mood to critical thinking.
A study published by Harrisburg University found that tabletop games can improve social skills for the better. Study participants also reported a decrease in anxiety and an overall improvement in mental wellness.
The study found that games customized for therapeutic purposes can retain (and boost) cognitive skills and reduce social anxiety in adults.
This type of research speaks to the importance of holding game nights in assisted living communities.
Discover more benefits of fun senior activities, including what to expect from community game events.
Settle in With Individual Games
For many seniors, moving to an assisted living community can be overwhelming at first. It’s completely normal to have a transitional “settling in” period before engaging in social situations. Even during this stage, games can play an important role for seniors.
Games have enormous benefits for creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving. While settling in, seniors can start with individual games like crossword puzzles, sudoku, and word games.
Tech-savvy seniors can play individual games on touchscreen tablets or their mobile phones. Of course, the above games are still available in paperback format. The New York Times crossword puzzle is still a fan favorite among seniors.
These games can help seniors become more comfortable in their new surroundings while stimulating their brains. This combination can help give them the confidence they need to join game nights with their fellow residents.
Solitare is another good individual game that can help seniors ease into more social gaming situations with other card games like Blackjack, gin rummy, and King’s Corner.
The Classic Bingo Night
One of the best game night games to try is bingo.
This game features the best of both worlds. It appeals to the individual gamer while existing in a group setting. Thus, seniors feel less isolated and don’t feel pressured to join groups or teams.
Bingo nights also give seniors the chance to win prizes like gift cards to local restaurants, amazon cards, books, food gifts, and more prizes. You could even combine bingo nights with raffles for a more fun event; attendees can choose numbered raffle balls from a bin that can be shuffled to reveal a winner.
To improve socialization, bingo players may join meet-and-greet events beforehand. Players may wear name tags to help get to know each other. Of course, plenty of refreshments will be available before the big event.
As residents feel more comfortable, they could take turns being the bingo night “MC” or host.
Bingo nights are typically held on a designated day with a set time so residents can look forward to the event. You can always check the activities calendar for upcoming bingo nights.
Casino-Themed Senior Game Nights
Next to bingo, you’ll find card games, slot machines, and Vegas-style games popular with seniors. This is a great opportunity for community managers to throw a casino-themed game night for residents.
These events may start with popular games most seniors know how to play like Blackjack. In this simple game, you need a minimum of two players, one dealer and one player. You can increase the number of players to any amount.
Players play against the dealer in Blackjack. The goal is to reach the number 21 in cards but not go over or under the dealer.
To get as close to 21 as possible, you ask the dealer to “hit” you with another card. Play wisely, if you pass on a hit, you may be stuck with too low of a number; if you ask the dealer to hit too much, you may go over.
Once all players are satisfied with their cards, the dealer will hit their cards last which will reveal the winner.
Similar to bingo nights, residents can take turns being the dealer. Blackjack dealing is so easy, anyone can do it.
Gin rummy is another popular card game for senior game nights.
Other card games to consider include:
- Crazy Eights
- Old Maid
- War
- Speed
- Texas Hold’em
- Slapjack
Similar to bingo nights, the community may reward prizes to card game winners like new card packs, gift cards, food gift bundles, self-care baskets, and other senior-friendly prizes.
Senior Scrabble Nights
Scrabble is another social game perfect for community game events.
Traditionally, Scrabble is played with no more than four players. However, you can purchase (or create) super scrabble boards that allow for even more players.
You could set up your game night similar to a chess event. Set up multiple tables that can seat two to four players each. Whoever generates more points from tiled words wins.
Always reward winners with a prize, whether it’s a gift card, gift basket, or another fun, useful item. You can always gift participation goodie bags to players.
These bags could include:
- Playing cards
- Crossword puzzle books
- Gamebooks
- Pens and pencils
- Rubik’s Cubes
- Puzzles
- Desktop games
Again, you can merge your Scrabble nights with raffles so that players have even more chances to win prizes.
New Ideas for Game Nights in Assisted Living Communities
Assisted living communities are always looking for new ways to plan game nights for residents.
Bingo, card games, and Scrabble are just three favorites on the list. Residents who love chess can find their social group through planned chess nights. Managers can set them up competition-style, complete with timers.
Chess is a wonderful game to play outdoors with fellow residents, as well.
Checkers are even more popular (and accessible) to residents. The gameplay behind checkers is straightforward but challenging enough to improve cognitive skills.
Enjoy Game Nights at Your Local Assisted Living Community
Don’t miss out on everything your local assisted living community has to offer.
Game nights are an excellent way to start socializing again. Enjoy the benefits of socializing with like-minded seniors looking to break away from isolation and build new social connections.
TerraBella James Island is passionate about this philosophy.
Tour our community to discover the possibilities for you or your loved one. Our community is standing by waiting to answer any of your questions about our activities calendar, social dining options, living accommodations, and more!
