[For Seniors] Perfect for Passing the Time! A Collection of Recommended Game Apps for the Elderly
With the spread of smartphones and tablets, game apps that can stimulate the brain while being enjoyable are gaining attention.
A wide variety of genres have emerged, including mahjong, brain-training, and action games.
Some apps even let you experience what it’s like to live with a dog or cat, while others use location information to catch Pokémon when you’re out and about—content that brings energy to everyday life.
In this article, we introduce apps that are easy to operate and let you spend your time at a relaxed pace.
Enjoy a selection of appealing games that stimulate your thinking while helping you unwind.
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Action · Brain Training · Relaxation (1–10)
Brain Training Revolution Pictori!
If you’re looking for a game that really makes you think, I recommend “Brain Training Revolution Pictory.” It’s a brain-training app that combines shiritori (a Japanese word-chain game) with puzzles.
First, several illustrations appear on the screen.
While figuring out what each illustration represents, you select them so that they form a proper shiritori chain.
The app offers three difficulty levels, so you can enjoy it for a long time.
At higher difficulties, longer words like “pipopotamasu” also make an appearance.
Picture Shiritori: Brain Training Revolution Pictori! ~Associative Shiritori Game~Category: Games Free iOS Universal Rating: 4.14201
iPhone / iPad
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Solitaire .com: Classic Card
The app “Solitaire.com: Classic Card” lets you enjoy classic solitaire with 1- or 3-card draw.
The clear graphics with a green background and the simplicity of showing only the background and cards help you stay focused on the game.
The controls are simple—just move the cards—so it’s easy to jump in and play.
Deciding how to move the cards also seems like it could effectively stimulate your brain.
Solitaire.com: Classic CardsCategory: Games Free iOS Universal Rating: 4.1956
iPhone / iPadAndroid
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Tetris®
Tetris, which is easy to start, is a game that seniors can enjoy as well.
Its simple yet profoundly deep rule—lining up and clearing falling blocks—enriches the mind and provides active, engaging time.
Thinking through the stacking process and savoring split-second decisions helps stimulate the brain, and taking on challenging techniques can lead to new forms of joy.
Created by Alexey Pajitnov and already beloved by people of all ages, this game is sure to captivate seniors too!
Action · Brain Training · Relaxation (11–20)
Maru-Jan Online Mahjong
Maru-Jan Online Mahjong is an online game that lets you enjoy authentic mahjong from the comfort of your home.
Its standout feature is the realistic recreation of the tiles’ texture and sounds, as well as the table’s atmosphere, letting you feel as if you’re in a real mahjong parlor.
The controls are simple, the tiles are easy to see, and it’s friendly for beginners, while also allowing you to compete against players nationwide—perfect for testing your skills.
Since you’re playing against real opponents and need to be mindful of their thinking, it also makes for excellent mental exercise.
Mystery Detective June
We’re pleased to introduce Mystery Detective June, a perfect app game for older adults who enjoy puzzles and adventure.
Players become detectives, uncovering evidence and pursuing leads within a captivating 1920s world.
The thrilling investigations help sharpen memory and reasoning skills.
There’s also the fun of collecting items to customize your very own island.
With each new chapter, the unfolding story brings the joy of earning new decorations, while cooperative play in the Detective Club helps foster communication among users.
If the controls feel challenging, support is available for peace of mind.
We hope many people will give it a try and enjoy it.
Mystery Detective June: Found a Clue to Solve the RiddleCategory: Games Free iOS Universal Rating: 4.28286
iPhone / iPadAndroid
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Everyone’s Brain Training
Even when we say “brain training,” the areas people want to improve vary from person to person.
That’s why I recommend “Minna no Nōtore” (Everyone’s Brain Training).
Its biggest feature is that you can choose categories based on what you want to train.
There are as many as seven categories, such as Memory and Reaction.
For example, Memory often involves games like remembering illustrations, while Reaction features simple tasks like tapping quickly.
A score is shown at the end, so you can work on it daily while feeling your progress.
Everyone’s Brain Training — Brain exercises that reveal your brain ageCategory: Games Free iOS Universal Rating: 4.15219
iPhone / iPadAndroid
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Pokémon GO
Pokémon GO, an app you can enjoy while stepping outside and feeling the breeze, is also recommended for older adults.
This location-based game turns your everyday walks into adventures.
You can have fun searching for your favorite Pokémon in parks and around town, and sometimes experience the joy of teaming up with other players in raid battles.
It can even become a shared topic with your grandchildren, fostering connections across generations.
Plus, because the Pokémon that appear change with the weather, you may find yourself paying more attention to nature.
Why not give it a try during your next stroll?
