Fun Brain Training! Memory Games for Seniors
Many older adults are concerned about declining memory.
Whether you’re a senior or not, you’ve probably felt, “I feel like I’ve been more forgetful lately,” at least once.
For those worried about memory decline, memory games for seniors are highly recommended.
We’ve gathered memory-related tasks that can help boost cognitive function.
Anyone can try them casually, and even if you don’t succeed, the appeal is that you can keep challenging yourself as many times as you like.
Let’s enjoy memory games without pressure and have fun while working on them.
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Fun Brain Training! Memory Games for Seniors (11–20)
Memory-boosting game
Wouldn’t it be great to have a game that lets you train your memory in a fun way while moving your body? That’s why I’d like to propose the “Memory Boost Game.” It has two main steps.
First, the questioner specifies about five to ten body parts.
The respondent memorizes them and then touches them in time with a rhythm.
Since it can be quite complex, go at your own pace.
Also, because you’ll be moving your body, be sure to warm up beforehand.
Card Memory Game
Large-sized playing cards are sold for recreation and magic tricks, right? If you have a set on hand, why not try a “Card Memory Game”? First, the facilitator lays the cards face up on the table.
Next, turn the cards face down and slowly shuffle them.
Finally, have the player identify which card is where.
If there are multiple players, assign cards to them in turn and have them answer.
By the way, you can also use regular playing cards, but be aware that the difficulty increases.
Number Memory Game
Some people may be looking for a brain-training game that’s simple and easy to learn.
For those people, I recommend the “Number Memory Game.” First, cut some paper to make cards.
Next, write numbers on the cards.
That’s all the preparation you need.
Then, show the cards to the challenger and turn them over.
Ask them to recall what numbers were written.
It’s also fine to turn the numbers into words or simple drawings.
I hope you enjoy the process of making the cards as part of the fun, too.
Goo-Choki-Pa Trial
A brain-training exercise that also works your fingers is the Rock-Paper-Scissors Trial.
In this game, you watch the host’s movements and then imitate them afterwards.
The sequence might be something like “scissors, rock, scissors, paper.” It’s simple, but it can really train your memory.
As you get used to the game, try increasing the number of moves to remember or combining it with foot movements.
You can also set it to a nursery rhyme and enjoy it like a dance routine.
Short-term Memory Game
How about trying a “short-term memory game” where you record prompts in a short time? Here’s how it works: place several familiar items on a table, then cover them, and have the player recall what was there.
To increase the difficulty, you can add more items or require more detailed answers about the items.
You could also use a format like, “How many red items are there?” It might be fun to have multiple people bring items and quiz each other, too.
Set rules that fit the number of participants.
Where is this number?
Using playing cards lets you enjoy even more brain-training activities.
Popular ones include classics like Concentration (Pairs).
For something a bit more unique, you can flip over multiple cards and add up their numbers to give the total.
You can also play a game where the person who sorts the cards into descending order the fastest wins.
There are many other brain-training ideas too, so give them a look.
By the way, it’s perfectly fine to just play regular games like Old Maid as well.
Fun Brain Training! Memory Games for Seniors (21–30)
Cognitive Function Test Questions for Driver’s License
Do you know about the cognitive function test for driver’s license renewal? This is an exam taken by people aged 75 and over when renewing their licenses, designed to assess memory and quick decision-making.
The test is divided into several sections, such as “cue-based recall,” where you look for items matching a theme within an illustration, and an “interference task,” where you identify only specified numbers from a string of digits.
None of the tasks are directly related to actual driving, so even those without a license can try them without worry.
Many of them are enjoyable as games, so be sure to check them out.