Free Memory Games for Seniors That Improve Focus and Recall

It is perfectly normal as we age and find that we have some minor differences in memory and concentration. Anyone can forget where he/she left his/her glasses or fail to remember a name. The good news? It is his brain just like the body that is better when it is exercised. Memory games are one of the finest (and funnest) methods of doing this.

Memory games are not only enjoyable; they may also make seniors keep their minds cool, enhance their concentration, and enlarge their recollection. Better still, there are a lot of great memory games that are in no way associated with costs or the need to play them with other people, as they can be played at home alone and with other people.

We will discuss the ways in which memory games can be useful to seniors and which of them are worth considering as free.

The reason why memory games are significant to the elderly.

The brain is an activity brain. By questioning it we form new associations between brain cells and maintain the old ones. Memory games actually do just that through stimulation of thinking, attention and solving problems.

The following are some of the main advantages of memory games among the seniors:

• Increased concentration and attention.
• Increased short and long-term memory.
• Slower cognitive decline
• Increased confidence
• Reduced stress and boredom

Feeling of achievement when solving a game or puzzle is also something many seniors love about video games. Winning is not the point it is about being active and engaged.

1. Matching Card Games

Classical memory enhancers are matching games. This begins with face-down cards and turns them up two at a time in an attempt to discover matching pairs. This is an easy exercise that builds visual memory and attention.

You can play matching games:

• With a deck of cards at home
• Making internet-printable cards.
• On free mobile applications created to assist the elderly.

Begin with a small number of cards, and continue adding as time goes on. The hurry is not so great--take your time.

2. Word Games and Puzzles

Word plays are very good exercises of the mind. They aid in memory recall, vocabulary and mental flexibility.

The following are some of the popular free word games:

• Crossword puzzles
• Word search puzzles
• Scrabble-style games
• Anagram puzzles

Free daily crosswords can be found in numerous newspapers on the Web, and free puzzle books can be found by the hundreds at the libraries. The games are particularly useful with the seniors who love reading and language.

3. Memory Recall Games

Recall games are aimed at recalling list, images or sequences. These games attack on short-term memory and attention directly.

Examples include:

• Learning a list of words and remembering them in the future.
• Viewing an image of 30 seconds and responding to questions on the image.
• Reproduction of a series of numbers or colors.

These games are either solitary or can be played with a friend or a caregiver and thus the games are so social as well.

4. Board Games Which Improve Memory.

Several old-fashioned table games work with memory without ever impressing that it is brain training.

Super-good or free alternatives are:

• Checkers
• Chess
• Dominoes
• Backgammon

Through these games, there is an enhanced focus, planning, and memory of the past moves. Social connection, achieved by playing with friends or family on a regular basis, is also significant to the health of the brain.

5. Memory Games for the Elderly Online.

Free memory games that are specifically created to suit the seniors are very numerous on internet. These games are usually characterized by huge text, easy controls, and difficulty levels.

Online memory games may assist in:

• Visual memory
• Reaction time
• Pattern recognition
• Problem-solving

Seniors like these games since they include immediate feedback and diversity. You need not have to play more than a few minutes a day but you can play as long as you want to.

6. Music and Sound Memory Games

The music is closely related to memory. Even the seniors who have memory issues tend to react strongly when to the songs, which are not new to them.

Memory games using music comprise:

• College bingo - guessing a song.
• Completing lyrics of a known melody.
• Association of sounds or instruments.

Not only good to remember but also to boost the mood and morphine.

The Best Ideas to Use in Memory Games.

Consistency is more important than difficulty in order to benefit in memory games. Here are a few simple tips:

One should play on a regular basis even 10-15 minutes a day.

The games you enjoy should be selected and not those that are frustrating.

Make it harder over time as confidence builds up.

Socially interact with others as much as you can.

Take a victory, however small.

Keep in mind, it is not about being perfect, it is just needed to maintain the brain active.

Turning Memory Games into a Daily Practice.

The best way to keep up with memory games is to ensure that they form part of your day to day routine. Attempt playing in the morning before going to sleep, in the afternoon when no one is around, or after eating breakfast. Other elderly people may like having a book of puzzles on hand or scheduling an alarm to play a game online.

With the memory games adopted as a routine, they will not feel like a workout, rather, it will be a nice activity of the day.

Final Thoughts

A simple, fun, and effective method of learning to focus and remember is memory games, which helps to enhance the concentration and remembering abilities of elderly people. And most importantly, a great number of them are absolutely free and readily available. It might be a game with cards or a crossword, it might be a simple challenge that can be taken in a few seconds, but every little exercise is beneficial to keep the brain active.

Getting old does not imply losing the mental acuity. Through the right games and a positive attitude, the seniors can still learn, remember, and have fun one game at a time.