Just about everyone would like to keep their brain sharp no matter what their age, so take the advice of many researchers who say that some games work to stave off dementia, strengthen critical thinking skills, and promote brain health. What kind of game works best? The jury is still out on that.
Listed below are games ranging from online games meant specifically to nurture brain health to puzzles to board and card games. Some of these games and puzzles are free and others offer a free trial. No matter what your interests or level of tech-savvy, there are games here that will help you keep your brain in the best shape.
Online Brain Sharpeners
Brain Flex - Amazon Brain Flex
The BrainFlex Workbook series includes interactive workbooks, each packed with brain stimulating activities that go beyond typical brain games. All of the workbooks are designed for seniors who are committed to aging well, and this is why each workbook places a focus on ‘the whole person’. This includes the brain, body, mind, spirit, emotions, and relationships. According to research, engaging in activities that contribute to the health of these areas is the very best way for seniors to stay healthy and maintain their independence. The concepts of the BrainFlex program encourages seniors to be proactive against age related diseases, including Alzheimer's. The BrainFlex Workbook equips seniors with the tools they need to age well.Grandparent Games - http://www.grandparentgames.com
Created to keep grandparents and their grandchildren connected through shared online games, you can help keep you brain young while connecting with family.Brain Games and Brain Training - https://www.lumosity.com
Enjoy brain training created by scientists and game designers. 50+ cognitive games.AARP.org Games - http://games.aarp.org
Chess, puzzles, card games, and multiplayer games are offered here to help aging brains stay sharp.Happy Neuron - http://www.happy-neuron.com
Try the fun games and activities here to keep your brain young.ProProfs Brain Games - https://www.proprofs.com/games
Variety of Brain games and puzzles to train the brain and keep the mind focused, allowing for better memory retention.MindGamer - https://mindgamer.com/free-brain-training
The science of cognitive fitness that was created by PhDs. MindGamer is free to play with daily puzzles and tracking of progress.
Puzzles and Word Games
From crossword puzzles to logic puzzles to Sudoku to word games, these puzzles and games will help you get your think on.
New York Times Crossword Puzzle - https://www.nytimes.com/crosswords
Get a daily puzzle free or sign up for a membership to have access to the archives for these super-challenging puzzles.Sudoku - https://sudoku.com
Sudoku has been shown to help keep the brain sharp. Find plenty of games here with varying degrees of difficulty.Mind Games - https://www.mindgames.com/Brain+Games
Test and train your brain online with our brain puzzles and games.
Board, Card, and Strategy Games
This is the low-tech but high reward option. Chances are you have a few of these games somewhere in the house. You may not have seen them for many years, but time to get them out of storage! Not only will these games help keep your brain young with the various abilities they strengthen, but they also promote social interaction, which is also known to help keep the aging brain young.
Scrabble - A classic. The app, Words with Friends, is based on Scrabble and is wildly popular.
Mahjong - An ancient Chinese game, Mahjong strengthens memory and logic.
Dominos - This seemingly simple game actually provides an excellent opportunity to practice your strategy skills.
Checkers - This simple game allows anyone of any age to compete while using strategy to try to win.
Gin Rummy - Problem-solving skills get a workout with this popular card game.
Chess - Chess helps develop problem-solving, logic, and strategy skills and is known for both its educational value and boost to intelligence.
Bridge - Find a bridge club or round up several friends who would like to learn to play this game that is considered to be the ultimate in card games.
Backgammon - Grab a friend and sit down to this fun game that helps protect against brain deterioration.
Spades - This card game was invented in the US and has gained more worldwide recognition with its availability online in recent years.
Hearts - Easy enough for the whole extended family to play, Hearts is also great for memory and strategy.
Parcheesi - A great game for players of all ages, Parcheesi helps strengthen problem-solving skills.
Chinese Checkers - Despite its name, this fun and simple game is derived from an old German game and helps build problem-solving, logic, and sequencing skills.
