Mental stimulation is a key component of Eskaton’s approach to supporting brain health. We encourage “brain games” such as word puzzles and games like Jeopardy, Scrabble, Sudoku, Wordie and trivia, activities known to stimulate new connections between nerve cells and even generate new ones.
There are several games for seniors on the market today. But if you’re one of the millions of players looking forward to each day’s opportunity to solve the popular word puzzle, Wordle, you may not only be taking part in an enjoyable activity but helping boost your brain power as well.
Wordle – A popular word puzzle game for seniors
If you haven’t played it yet, access the Wordle link or download the app for your phone. It’s simple yet compelling – and if you can’t discover the right word, it can sometimes be a little frustrating. Yet you’ll find yourself coming back daily for another round which explains why this game has gone viral.
What is Wordle?
If you’re not familiar, Wordle is a daily word game. Created by a software engineer in Brooklyn, both for his partner who loved word challenges and for something to do during the pandemic. It can only be played once a day. Every 24 hours you’ll have access to a new word that you will attempt to reveal.
Why are games for seniors good for the brain?
Research is continuing but what we do know is that the brain can continue to develop and learn new skills, even when we’re older. It was once believed that the brain began to decline after a certain age.
One study has looked at the results of different senior groups who focused on learning digital photography, how to quilt, or both. Other groups were assigned tasks such as completing crossword puzzles or reading but with no active learning.
After 14 weeks, all group members were tested for memory and cognitive capacities. Those who had engaged in more active learning scored the highest.
Although more studies are needed, it does appear that challenging our brains to learn new skills can create an impact. Research also seems to suggest that stimulating our brains to learn new skills may result in having the largest impact.
Other benefits of playing games might include:
- Improved reaction times
- Strengthening decision-making skills
- Improving mood and sense of satisfaction
- Increasing sense of happiness and enjoyment
- May decrease risk of developing dementia or delay its symptoms
- May improve physical health
How to play Wordle
Here are the simple instructions for how to join in on the fun:
- You’ll have 6 tries to guess the randomly selected five-letter word each day.
- After each guess, the color of the tiles will change to show if you chose a correct letter and its correct position. Whether the letters in your chosen word are in the daily word and in the right location will be apparent by the color of the tiles.
- Using any hints about which letters and placements might be correct from your previous attempts will hopefully guide you to guess the correct word. It’s simple to learn how to play this game after only a few tries.
Bonus tip: Choose your starting word carefully. You’ll want to begin with one with a good chance of revealing a correct vowel and consonant. ADIEU is a popular one, STARE is another. Some people use the same first word every day while others like to mix it up a bit.
What you’ll love about Wordle
People enjoy the simplicity of the game and the challenge. It really gets your brain working and doesn’t require a huge time commitment. It is a fun game to play every day.
Other games for seniors to keep your brain in shape
Challenging your brain to learn new information is best. Look for those games that will encourage you to learn something new or to develop skills that will push your brain in new directions.
Don’t forget classic board games like Chess and Checkers that necessitate visualizing future moves and considering the consequences of each.
Games like Mathable use tiles to add, subtract, multiply and divide in a similar fashion to how Scrabble uses letters to create words.
Video games aren’t only for your grandchildren. Discover the ones most enjoyable to you and begin flexing your brain power as well as improve your hand-eye coordination.
Take advantage of AARP’s Staying Sharp program which focuses on the science around brain health. Along with several games for seniors, you’ll discover fun learning activities and new skills to challenge yourself daily.
Life at Eskaton Communities
The word Eskaton means “dawn of a new day.” In our communities, we see each day as an opportunity to enhance the lives of our residents. We’ve been serving the Sacramento region and Northern California for over 50 years.
The Eskaton Difference starts with our life-enriching programs and collaborative partnerships. With a national reputation for innovation, we focus on creating communities that provide our residents with everything they need for purposeful living.
We invite you to visit one of our award-winning communities to discover some of the benefits we offer, such as:
- Private residences
- Delicious and nutritious meals
- Social opportunities to meet and make new friends
- Creative activities and therapies
- Fitness centers and exercise classes
- Housekeeping services
- Transportation services
- 24-hour staffing
- Pet-friendly
- Free Wi-Fi
- And much, much more!
If you’re considering whether senior living could be the best choice for you or a loved one, we’re here to answer any questions that you may have. We also invite you to download our complimentary information, Just the Facts: Your Guide to Assisted Living. To schedule a personalized tour, call us at 1-866-ESKATON (1-866-375-2866) or visit eskaton.org.
