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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- Hand games that liven things up for seniors—also great brain training
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[Simple Games] (31–40) for Dementia Prevention and Improvement
Flapping Paper Cups
Here’s an activity you can do while seated: the paper-cup flapper.
All you need are a paper cup and a handheld fan (uchiwa).
Place the paper cup upside down on the table, then fan it with the uchiwa.
The cup will move, pushed by the wind.
When you move the cup to a designated spot, you’ve cleared the challenge.
Timing it and competing can make it even more exciting.
A tip for moving it well: hold the uchiwa level, pointing toward the cup, and fan as if tapping the table.
Brain-training exercises with nursery rhymes
Exercises using nursery rhymes sound fun! Let’s move our bodies rhythmically to the melodies of nostalgic songs.
Moving your hands and feet while recalling the lyrics can also help activate the brain.
It’s recommended to start with simple movements and gradually add more complex ones.
Singing out loud while exercising might make it even more effective.
Doing the exercises together with everyone can make communication more enjoyable, too.
Including songs with a relaxed tempo can help you unwind.
It’s also appealing that you can easily enjoy this in your spare time.
Challenge in antiphonal singing
How about trying alternating singing? By singing different songs in turn, you can boost your brain’s flexibility.
It might feel a bit difficult at first, but challenging yourself with new lyrics and rhythms activates your brain.
Singing also refreshes your mind, so it’s like killing two birds with one stone.
It’s wonderful that you can have fun while helping to prevent dementia.
When everyone sings together, communication deepens too.
Please give it a try with your friends—you’re sure to have a time full of smiles.
Brain-training finger play
Here’s a no-prep recreation activity: a finger-play brain exercise.
It’s simple to do! First, hold your hands up with your palms facing you and make fists.
Open only the thumb on your right hand and only the pinky on your left hand.
Next, switch: open the pinky on your right hand and the thumb on your left hand.
Keep repeating this.
It sounds easy, but it’s surprisingly hard.
Try doing it to a rhythm—one, two, one, two—and you might find yourself laughing at how tricky it is.
But don’t worry.
The goal isn’t to do it perfectly; performing two different movements at the same time stimulates your brain, so just trying it provides a brain-training effect.
With practice, you’ll get the hang of it and feel a sense of achievement.
Give it a try!
In conclusion
This time, we introduced many easy-to-play games that are effective for preventing dementia. How you liven things up is also important to motivate older adults to participate enthusiastically. Please use this article as a reference and give them a try.