The U.S. is aging quickly, as the more than 62 million adults over 65, as reported by the Pew Research Center, account for nearly 20% of the total population. Furthermore, the Alzheimer’s Association states that within those numbers are more than 7 million Americans currently living with Alzheimer’s Disease or other dementias.
With so many concerned about their mental cognition, it’s easy to see why app developers focus so heavily on brain-training games to help keep you sharp. If you or a loved one is looking to keep their mental faculties intact, adding some brain-training games to their repertoire is the way to go. Let’s take a look at how these games can help and where you can find them, both online and via mobile apps.
How Brain-Training Games Help Seniors
Research on the effects of brain-training games is limited. However, developers believe that these apps and games help older adults keep their memory and processing sharp in much the same way that physical exercise induces strength. Currently, no guidance is available on the ideal timing or frequency of play. Still, as long as the gameplay does not cause undue frustration or interrupt tasks of daily living, such as eating or sleeping, it is likely helping.
In addition to providing a cognitive “workout,” some brain-training games also create an opportunity to connect with friends and family members through shared playtime. Where many young people find it difficult to stay connected to seniors in their lives, some game apps provide a bridge.
How to Choose the Best Brain Training Games for Seniors
When choosing a brain-training game for you or someone you love, there are a few aspects to consider. First, the game must be user-friendly. If playing creates an environment of frustration or confusion, it’s not the right choice. The game also should not create excessive amounts of stress. While some excitement will keep the user engaged, stress can lead to cognitive decline. Choose a game that is fun, engaging, and thoughtfully crafted in a way that promotes memory and mental conditioning.
Cost is another factor to consider. Some games are free, while others require payment, either one time or on a regular basis. If there is a limited budget for games, friends and family may consider the game a gift, especially if they can play together.
Digital games typically come in two forms: apps or online. If you or your loved one plans to play on a phone, a mobile app is the best way to go. If you’re playing on a desktop, online games are best. Tablet users can access both.
Related Article: 8+ Essential Mobility Aids for Seniors
Top Brain Training Apps for Seniors
Thousands of game apps for older adults are available through the Apple App Store and Google Play. However, there are a few high-quality game apps that are user-friendly and are designed specifically for brain training.
1. Luminosity
When it comes to brain games, Luminosity is often the first app to come to mind. Offering a wide array of science-backed cognitive training, the engaging and fun games increase brain function, memory, attention, flexibility, and problem-solving. To play, you must purchase a membership, with fees starting at $11.99 per month. However, a loved one looking for a special gift can purchase a yearly or lifetime membership for one flat rate. Furthermore, rather than offering a free trial for only 30 days, Luminosity allows users to sign up for a free membership and play a limited number of games daily.
2. Elevate
Elevate is a fantastic option for developing and maintaining cognitive skills through gaming. Personalized just for you, their games help to improve math, memory, concentration, and focus. The cost of an Elevate subscription varies based on your location and promotions running at the time of purchase. However, most users can enjoy a 7-day free trial, provided you remember to cancel before being charged.
3. Peak
Winner of the Best of the Year from the Apple App Store and Google Play, Peak is a brain fitness app developed with the help of scientific advisors that aims to challenge your cognitive abilities in a fun and engaging way. The app provides games that enhance your vocabulary, focus, memory, speaking skills, and more for $4.99 per month, with discounted payment options if you pay yearly.
4. Cognifit
Testing over 20 cognitive skills, the Cognifit app is packed with games and assessments to help you understand where you are and watch your progress as you grow. What makes this app unique is that many of their tools and games can be accessed online as well as on the app. With so much content available, they break their pricing into tiers, based on the number of assessments or games you intend to use, and the number of members in your household. A single user who intends to play only 20 games per month will pay $19.99 monthly, while an avid gamer who wants access to over 100 games monthly will need the $29.99/month tier.
5. Words with Friends
If you’re looking for a game that works your brain while providing a way to engage with friends and family, Words with Friends is it! The Scrabble-style game is easy to play and provides a means to link your game with loved ones anywhere in the world. The chat feature, which works similarly to text messages, means you can give each other a little ribbing while you work through the board. Meanwhile, you’ll never need a dictionary with the game’s automatic decline function letting you know if your word isn’t quite word-worthy. Furthermore, it’s totally free to play, with the option to pay if you’d like to forgo ads.
6. Other Game Apps
If you’re looking for a specific game and don’t want to bother with a comprehensive app that offers many different styles, you’re not alone. Many people love the option to play a single game, often for free, via apps. Some fun and engaging apps for seniors that’ll also give your brain a good workout include Sudoku, Crossword Puzzle Redstone, and Wordle. Each of these is available in the app stores and can be downloaded for free.
Top Brain Training Online Games for Seniors
While less popular than apps, a slew of online games are available that engage users to strengthen their cognitive function. The most popular include:
7. AARP Games
AARP offers dozens of free games on its website, with only a few requiring an AARP membership. While many of the games are just for fun, such as Solitaire, Mahjongg, and Tetris-style 10×10, there are some cognitive games as well. These include a daily crossword, word challenges, and spelling games.
8. AMAC Games
While not as extensive as AARP games, the AMAC gaming center is more cognitively geared. It’s comprised of trivia quizzes, word jumbles, word searches, and picture puzzles. Many are printable for use offline, and all are available for free, without an AMAC membership
Related Article: AARP Vs AMAC: Which To Choose?
9. Braingle
Braingle delivers an incredible library of online cognitive games. To get started, you’ll sign up for a free, online account that will grant you access to thousands of puzzles, trivia games, mentalrobics, number and word games, interactive games, and a community forum where you can chat with other gamers and share your high scores.
10. New York Times
Have you always loved crossword puzzles? The New York Times crossword puzzle is arguably the most popular in the nation. Known for soliciting relevant answers by providing challenging clues, this crossword is addictive! Older adults who no longer receive the newspaper in print and are missing out on the crossword can enjoy archived word puzzles for free on the New York Times website. If you’d like full access to even more crosswords and games, you can subscribe for $1 weekly or $50 per year.
Whether you’re a senior looking to boost your cognition or just love to play games, these gaming apps and websites offer a broad array of options for mentally challenging play.
