Simple games for preventing and improving dementia
In this article, we introduce games that are effective for preventing and improving dementia in older adults.
This is for those looking for simple recreational activities that can stimulate the brain.
We selected activities that are easy to do yet engaging and enjoyable.
The rules are straightforward, which makes them easy to understand.
Some physical games can be played even without any equipment.
Please make use of them not only for events but also during free time.
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Simple Games for Preventing and Improving Dementia (11–20)
Chestnut Picking Game
This is a “chestnut gathering” game that uses capsules as pretend chestnuts.
Write prompts on slips of paper—some for physical activities and some for brain-training tasks—and put a few inside each capsule.
Using long chopsticks or tongs, pick up the prompt-filled capsules from a box as if you’re collecting chestnuts.
Including prompts like “words that contain ___,” “butt-writing (spelling letters with your hips),” or “tongue twisters” will liven things up.
As a game, it lets you move your body while engaging your brain.
Setting scores for each prompt and adding lucky bonus points will make it even more exciting.
Give it a try!
Golf game
Here’s an introduction to a simple and fun paper-cup “golf” game.
Lay paper cups labeled with point values on their sides on the floor, and roll ping-pong balls to try to get them into the cups.
The winner is decided by how many ping-pong balls land in the cups.
Calculating the points for the ping-pong balls also provides a brain workout.
Since this golf game can be played while seated, it’s suitable for older adults who have difficulty standing.
Adjusting the force to roll the balls also helps with arm rehabilitation.
Some older adults may have enjoyed golf in the past, and this paper-cup golf can evoke those memories, too.
Color Game
How about a color game as a whiteboard activity? For this game, prepare papers with color words written on them.
The key is to make the kanji different from the actual color of the text.
Instead of reading the words on the papers attached to the whiteboard, ask the participating seniors to say the color of the letters.
It may seem easy, but it actually trips people up and often leads to lots of laughs.
Because you see with your eyes and think with your head, it’s effective for reflexes and brain training.
Start by letting them answer slowly and thoughtfully, then gradually pick up the pace.
Wobbly Cap Game
As we age, the dexterity of our fingertips declines.
In fact, it’s said that more than half of the brain’s regions are involved in moving the hands and processing sensation.
As a result, with aging, the commands from the brain to the hands and fingers can become sluggish and don’t transmit as smoothly.
Finger exercises can help your hands and fingers move more smoothly.
So let’s train our fingertips with a game that uses an empty plastic bottle.
Cut the bottle so that about the top half from the mouth remains.
Cover the cut edge with vinyl tape to finish.
Place the bottle upright with the capped mouth facing down, and put a bottle cap inside.
A game where you try to drop the cap into a wobbling, swaying bottle seems like something everyone can enjoy together with lots of laughs.
Balance game
Using your fingertips while also using your head for balance—here’s a balance game to try.
All you need is a helmet, a tray, and beanbags.
You can substitute the helmet with something else.
Place the tray on top of the helmet, then put the beanbags on the tray.
The key is to keep an eye on the overall balance so it doesn’t tip to one side.
Decide whether to place each beanbag slowly or quickly and where exactly to put it.
This engages the upper limbs from fingertips to shoulders, and the brain’s decision-making processes, making it a promising brain-training activity to help prevent cognitive decline.
It’s simple, yet the setup changes every time, so you can enjoy it without getting bored.
PET bottle cap grab game
Here’s a game that uses PET bottle caps to train finger dexterity.
Pick up PET bottle caps and drop them into paper cups.
However, you’ll use clothespins to pick up the caps.
Handling clothespins requires a certain amount of strength.
Simply using clothespins can also improve fine motor skills by encouraging nimble finger movements.
Let’s not only aim for brain-training benefits through finger use, but also strengthen the fingers and hands.
By making it a game, older adults can enjoy themselves while getting in some training.
Give it a try!
[Simple Games] (21–30) for the Prevention and Improvement of Dementia
Paper Core Bowling
Back in the Showa era, there was a time when bowling was hugely popular.
Some older adults may have been into bowling back then.
Let’s rekindle those memories and get our fingers moving with a bowling game.
Use toilet paper rolls as pins, and a lightweight rubber ball that doesn’t feel heavy to knock them down.
Since it can be played on a table, people who have difficulty standing can participate as well.
Keeping score like in real bowling will make it even more exciting.