Top Games for Seniors and the Elderly: Fun for All Abilities

Get ready to play! Games offer seniors a powerful combination of relaxation, social connection, and cognitive stimulation. Whether enjoyed alone or with others, they can reduce stress, ease boredom, and support mood, memory, and concentration—especially when learning something new. Many games can be adapted with large print, simplified rules, or shorter play times, making them accessible across a wide range of abilities.

Puzzle, Tile, and Board Games

Tabletop games are ideal for social gatherings and multigenerational play. Research published in BMJ Open suggests that playing board games may help slow cognitive decline and reduce depression in older adults. Because they’re typically played seated, they’re also suitable for those with limited mobility. Popular options include Qwirkle, Dixit, Ticket to Ride, Rummikub, and Sorry! Sliders. Classics like Backgammon, Chess, Mahjong, Checkers, Dominos, Jenga, and Cranium remain favorites for their mix of strategy, skill, and fun.

Video Games

Video games provide engaging visuals, interactive challenges, and opportunities to connect with others. While so-called “brain training” games show limited real-world cognitive transfer, learning and enjoyment still offer meaningful mental stimulation. Match-three games such as Bejeweled or Candy Crush are easy to learn and widely accessible on phones or tablets. Words With Friends 2 delivers crossword-style competition similar to Scrabble. Consoles like the Nintendo Switch feature creative puzzle games such as Snipperclips Plus and Puyo Puyo Tetris. Free online platforms, including AARP and Gametable, offer card, word, and strategy games playable directly in a web browser.

Card Games

A simple deck of cards provides portable, electricity-free entertainment. Card games encourage relaxed social interaction and conversation. Accessibility tools—such as oversized cards, large-print decks, card holders, or automatic shufflers—make play easier. Popular choices include Gin Rummy, Bridge, Canasta, Cribbage, and Spades, along with classics like Crazy Eights, Euchre, Pinochle, UNO, and Phase 10.

Dice Games

Dice games are compact and easy to set up, requiring only dice, paper, and pencil. They combine luck, strategy, and social engagement. Favorites include Bunco, Mexico, Liar’s Dice, Farkle, Yahtzee, and Can’t Stop—each offering fast-paced fun and friendly competition.

Word and Number Games

For those who enjoy sharpening language or math skills, crossword puzzles, word searches, Sudoku, Kakuro, Scrabble, Boggle, Scattergories, and Balderdash provide satisfying solo or group challenges.

Large-Group Indoor Games

Nursing homes and assisted living communities often organize group-friendly activities. Bingo remains a staple, while interactive games like Smile Toss or advice-themed storytelling contests spark laughter and connection. Many activities can be homemade and customized for parties or celebrations.

Outdoor Games

Physical games provide light exercise and fresh air for seniors with good mobility. Options range from pickleball, shuffleboard, bocce, and lawn bowling to low-impact fun like water balloon toss or bean bag toss.

There’s no age limit on play. Games offer meaningful benefits for body, mind, and spirit—so gather some friends, try something new, and enjoy the vitality that comes from play.