Being a senior citizen does not mean you can’t still have fun and play games. Sometimes people think seniors just want to sit, eat, sleep, and repeat. That’s very much not the case!
If you have a senior citizen at home—whether it’s a parent, relative, or neighbor—remember that they still enjoy participating in fun activities they can participate in.
However, sometimes they may be limited in mobility to run around and carry out more demanding tasks, but that’s not the end of the world.
We have curated 25 fun sit-down games for senior citizens that they can enjoy in the comfort of their homes and with their pals. These games not only offer fun but assist in maintaining function, health, and social interactions in one or more ways. Most of the games also qualify as sit-down games for senior citizens with Dementia.
Why Games?
Of course, there are so many things that one could do in their spare time, so the question of “why games?” is a valid one. However, so is the question, “Why not games?”
Games are a great way to engage people and you will surely find one game that a person likes. Here are a few reasons why sit-down games are a good way to keep our seniors occupied:
- Sit down games help senior citizens with reduced mobility feel more alive regardless of their limitations.
- Studies have shown that being physically active will help reduce the risk of so many medical conditions that can affect our senior citizens. Games help to keep them moving and this contributes to their health.
- Games promote social interactions among seniors, especially those who live in care homes. It helps to bring them together and create useful bonds.
- Games provide mental stimulation, helping seniors stay sharp for everyday tasks.
- And Lastly, games are fun!
We understand the importance of sit-down games for senior citizens at Firefly, that’s why we implement them in their daily lives. Here’s a rundown of some of the best choices available.
25 Sit-Down Games for Senior Citizens
Board Games for Senior Citizens
Board games are the first type of sit-down games for senior citizens that naturally come to mind. They are easy to acquire, and they contribute to social interaction and mental exercises.
1. Peg Solitaire (Solo Noble): A single-player game that seniors can use to keep themselves occupied and determined. It encourages problem-solving and logical thinking.
2. Scrabble: Fun spelling and strategic game that can be played between 2 to 4 players. It contributes to cognitive training and word recall.
3. Monopoly: Family-friendly game that keeps everyone together and provides a good sense of social balance.
4. Dominoes: This tile-structured game can be played among 2 to 6 players and can be played in different variations. Another good one for social interaction.
Card Games for Senior Citizens
Card games take a cue from board games, but they can be considered more competitive and less predictable. This keeps seniors strategically thinking and keeps their brains stimulated.
5. Uno: A breath of fresh air game that can be played between a large gathering. Very fun and interactive with different twists and turns.
6. Bridge: A four-player game that takes planning and strategy to a fun level. Seniors who enjoy Bridge stay very sharp in day-to-day activities.
7. Rummy: A card game that brings people together and keeps seniors active. It can accommodate 2 to 6 players, but if you want to speed up and competitive competition you can play Gin Rummy with one opponent.
8. Go Fish: This is a simple but entertaining card game where players ask each other for matching cards to form sets. It’s a great game for memory and social interaction.
Dice Games for Senior Citizens
Seniors have a lot of fun with just dice. Dice games are innovative and fun, the factor of luck makes for a different experience at all times. Playable among any number of people.
9. Yahtzee: In Yahtzee, you can pick different categories to play and it all boils down to how lucky you are. It brings about many great conversations and reactions.
10. Liar’s Dice: A dice game that is bound to bring out a different side of seniors. With bluffing and smartness a necessary aspect of the game, it’s an interesting experience.
11. Farkle: Who says seniors can’t be involved in a race? With dice games like this you can race with points and have fun while at it.
Sit-Down Games for Senior Citizens
Many sit-down games for seniors require little to no equipment, making them easily accessible. Most times, all it takes are 2 or more people interested in having fun.
12. Charades (Seated Version): This is a fun game that can be played by any number of people. It promotes creativity and brain stimulation and is bound to create fun laughs.
13. Trivia Games: Our senior citizens have experienced many periods and events, turning these historic and fun moments into a trivia game is a fun way to make them reminisce and promote memory stimulation.
14: Bingo: A legendary game among the seniors. The thrill of playing and hoping to be the lucky winner to shout “Bingo!” is one thing that makes this game a go-to to many seniors.
Puzzle Games for Senior Citizens
Solving a puzzle is always a fun task and is one that can still be performed by senior citizens with limited mobility. You will love the smiles on their faces when they are done. They can play these games alone or with friends.
15. Jigsaw Puzzles: Jigsaw’s are fun for both kids and seniors. A fun game that some seniors can play with their kids and grandkids.
16. Sudoku: A mentally tasking game that offers a challenge that senior citizens always welcome. Promotes numerical memory and strategic planning.
17. Crossword Puzzles: The thrill of the search in crossword puzzles is a fun activity for seniors and can also be a fun competitive game.
18. Boggle: A fast-paced crossword-style game that adds excitement to traditional word searches.
Video and Online Games for Senior Citizens
Video games were basically made for sitting. These are fun sit-down games for senior citizens that help them keep in touch with technology in various ways.
19. Candy Crush: A very easy-to-play game that is guaranteed to keep seniors glued to their screens and engaged. The available levels are inexhaustible.
20. Words With Friends 2: This scrabble-esque game brings word formation to your mobile screens. Played against only one opponent but you can keep yourself occupied by playing multiple games at a time.
21. Lumosity: Numerous brain-training games are available on here. Very good for constant brain stimulation and challenging fun activities.
22. Wii or Nintendo Switch Sports: These video games bring real-life experience to a whole new level. Seniors can play motion-controlled sport games such as bowling, tennis, and golf. How’s that for an exercise session?
Sit-Down Games For Senior Citizens With Dementia
Among the different ways to interact with a person having dementia, games are one of the most interesting. Many of the games above are also suitable for senior citizens with dementia, but here are some games that directly contribute to maintaining memory and brain stimulation to delay its progression.
23. Matching Card Games: With our simple cards this fun game promotes memory recall and social interaction. There’s also a rewarding feeling when the cards are matched.
24. Balloon Volleyball: This is probably the most active game on this list. It stimulates cognitive functions and is something that will help promote communal participation among seniors with dementia.
25. Sing-Along Games: There are not many things that our memory holds on to like music. Playing music sing-alongs and karaoke encourages memory recall and promotes a nostalgic feeling that further helps with memory.
Conclusion: Keeping Seniors Engaged and Happy
Finding fun, engaging sit-down games for senior citizens is a wonderful way to keep their minds sharp, encourage social interaction, and bring joy to their daily lives. There are so many games, but we decided to give you a wide variety of selections.
Remember that there’s no one game that is appealing to all. If you have senior citizens that you take care of, make sure to pick or provide games that suit their interests, hobbies, histories, and abilities—including those with dementia.
Beyond games, there are many other meaningful ways to engage seniors and improve their well-being. You could also:
- Try arts and craft – Engaging creative activities like pottery, painting, and knitting are more preferred choices for some seniors.
- Get them a low-maintenance pet – A cat, fish, or small bird can provide companionship and reduce loneliness.
- Bring up History and past events – Many seniors love to tell tales about the life they lived, memories they made, and adventures they went on. Sometimes all it takes is one question.
- Schedule regular family calls and visits – Frequent calls or check-ups on seniors by family members are a great way to improve their mood at all times.
- Celebrate holidays in major ways – Spice up your seniors’ experience by going all out on special holidays, especially the ones that mean a lot to them.
Keeping seniors engaged doesn’t have to be complicated. it’s about finding activities that bring them joy, stimulate their minds, and encourage connection with others. A mix of games, hobbies, and social interaction can make a significant difference in their quality of life.
