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 (1–10)
Memorize 10 words
Memorizing 10 words is also a recommended brain-training exercise.
For example, you can display 10 words on the screen and try to memorize them.
It’s harder to remember unrelated words, so it’s better to set a theme to some extent, such as fruit names or vehicle names.
If you do it in a competitive format, take turns saying the words you remember, and the person who can’t say one first loses—that’s a good rule to use.
You can also try making it a team competition with the same rules.
How many can you memorize in one minute?
If you have access to a tablet or computer, I also recommend a game called “How many can you remember in one minute?” In this game, you watch a video that briefly shows multiple illustrations, memorize them, and then answer afterward.
It looks simple at first glance, but it actually splits into two phases: thinking about what each illustration is, and then memorizing it.
Because of that, you really have to use your brain to the fullest.
There are also videos on YouTube that present these challenges, so try searching for them.
Meal Memory Game
Do you remember what you ate yesterday morning? Many people might be surprised to find they don’t.
That’s why I’d like to suggest the “Meal Memory Game.” In this game, you answer quizzes related to your meals.
It’s good to ask not just what you ate, but also where you ate, who you were with, and what kind of music was playing at the time.
With this approach, even the same questions will have different answers each time, so you can prepare a simple template and enjoy it repeatedly.
What is left?
When you want to enjoy a fun group brain-training activity, a game called “What’s Left?” is also recommended.
First, prepare a large box and put several everyday items in it.
Next, take them out one by one, and have players answer what item is left at the end.
You might think you can answer right away, but it’s surprisingly easy to forget.
By the way, you can also adapt it into versions like “What wasn’t put in the box?” or “How many red items are in the box?”
Flashcard
How about trying flashcards? Flashcards are a game where a card briefly appears on the screen, you memorize what it shows, and then answer afterward.
The content on the cards is typically illustrations or words.
Also known as “photographic memory” training, it’s said to be highly effective for brain training.
If you actually want to try it, using videos on sites like YouTube makes it smooth.
Note that some videos have rapidly flashing screens, so please be careful.
A calculation problem that recalls the answer from two steps earlier
They say doing two tasks at the same time is quite an effective way to train your brain.
With that in mind, I’d like to introduce a game called “Remember the Answer from Two Questions Ago.” First, have someone solve about five simple one-digit addition problems.
Then, at the end, ask, “What was the answer to the fourth problem?” In other words, you have to do calculation and memory simultaneously.
Of course, you can add variations, like asking for the answer to the first problem instead.
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.