Keeping Sharp With Strategy Games

Seniors have plenty of health issues to worry about as they age. Staying in tip-top shape isn’t exactly easy, and it seems to take more time and effort the older you get. One aspect of health that can often be overlooked, however, is mental sharpness. Statistics show that almost 40% of people over the age of 65 years experience at least some memory loss.

Memory loss doesn’t necessarily mean that one has Alzheimer’s or dementia; it is just a part of the aging process. Knowing that, you may be wondering what you can do to keep your mind sharp. The good news is that technology has provided an accessible and effective tool that can help seniors stay sharp and have fun at the same time. Let’s take a look at some strategy-based games that are available in app form. Seniors can simply download these games to their phone, play them, and consider it their brain exercise for the day.

Become the Bridge Master Online

One classic example of a strategy game that challenges the mind is bridge. Bridge requires players to partner up and try to score points by defeating opposing team’s bids or by making a bid themselves. There are tons of online manuals that go over all the rules and strategies of the card game. You can also find how-to videos that take you through the basics.

The one downfall with bridge is that you need other players. Seniors aren’t always able to visit friends and socialize with others, leaving them with a fair bit of alone time. If that’s the case, bridge can seem impossible to play. However, with a bridge smartphone app, seniors don’t have to worry about getting together with others. Some apps create computer-based teams, while others enable you to partner with other live players worldwide. Either way, seniors can enjoy the strategy-based card game whenever they like, even if they are home alone.

Digital Chess Boards Test Skill and Strategy

Chess is another option that can be perfect for seniors. Chess is the ultimate strategy game, requiring players to think not just about their next moves but also about the steps ahead. You are constantly trying to outsmart your opponent and anticipate what they will do. Chess masters excel at backing their opponents into a corner, causing them to make a game-losing mistake.

There’s no reason that seniors need to take the game that seriously, but it can still offer all the same mental benefits. Even if you don’t know how to play it, there are plenty of chess apps geared toward beginners. They will take you through the rules and basic gameplay, allowing you to play with confidence.

Much like the top US casino apps, which expose players to decision-making and entertainment, these types of strategy-based apps provide seniors with engaging challenges that keep their minds active while also offering a sense of accomplishment and fun. Whether you face off against the computer or another player, it’s bound to be a challenge.

Scrabble Keeps the Mind Sharp

Expanding one’s vocabulary isn’t something that should stop in old age. There is even data that shows a diverse vocabulary can help protect against cognitive impairment. This grows more important as you age and the brain becomes more susceptible to memory loss, Alzheimer’s, and dementia. One option is to study the dictionary and set a goal to learn a new word or phrase weekly, but that’s not exactly fun. Cue the classic game of Scrabble.

Traditionally speaking, this is a board game that consists of the board and a bag of tiles, each with an individual letter printed on it. The goal is to create words out of your letters, scoring the most points possible. The app version packs all the same fun, challenge, and strategy into a handy on-the-go format. This is a great way to expand your vocabulary and keep your brain sharp.

Clue-Based Games Can Be Addictive and Fun

Not everyone is a fan of word-based games or even the classic board games. Maybe a clue-based game is something that appeals to you instead. These apps provide you with the clues you need to find items or solve puzzles to clear a level and make your way through the game. Some follow the escape-room style of play, others involve hidden pictures, and others yet present riddles.

Ideally, you want to find a game that encompasses a variety of mini games and clues, so that you tap into various skills. Clue-based games are great for critical thinking, problem-solving, memory, hand and eye coordination, and more. These games can also be highly addictive, with each level getting progressively more challenging.

Solve Puzzles and Work Your Way Through the Levels

Also along the lines of problem-solving games are puzzles. These range from small jigsaw puzzles with hundreds or even thousands of pieces to large puzzles with fewer pieces.

Puzzle apps can be easier for seniors suffering from joints pain in their hands, as they don’t have to physically hold the puzzle pieces. You also don’t need a flat surface to lay it all out. The level stays open until you complete it, which takes away the pressure of time.

There’s No Time Like the Present to Start Exercising Your Mind

The simple fact is that strategy-based games can be a great way to keep the mind sharp. They are highly accessible and often free, and the rules and gameplay don’t have to be confusing. The biggest challenge for seniors might be deciding which game to play first.