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As we age, our brains tend to change, and it can be harder for us to remember important facts and process difficult information.
While this often applies to senior citizens, it can also happen at any stage in your life, and some afflictions, such as extreme pain or diseases like dementia, can also accelerate brain deterioration.
Dealing with memory loss and other mental issues associated with ageing can be challenging and distressing, but there are some simple ways to adapt.
Making minor lifestyle changes can help to reduce the symptoms of ageing in the brain and reduce the symptoms of brain illnesses.
One of these changes is playing games. When you think of games, you might conjure up images of athletic sports, but actually, the best games for your brain are ones you can play digitally or using basic equipment, such as boards or cards.
Video games are a great solution for anyone who wants to improve their brain health and relax after a busy day. Just 3 hours of video game playing per day can improve your cognitive skills and be vital for those dealing with mental symptoms of ageing.
Playing games can be a fun way to keep your brain active and reduce age-related mental issues that you might face, either now or in the future.
Some games offer more benefits than others, but there are plenty of types on offer, so you can find the ones that you enjoy.
Keep reading to find out more about the games you can play to boost your brain throughout your life.
1. Slot Games
Online slots can be a fun way to spend time, and they’re also great for boosting your memory and other core cognitive skills. That’s because most slot machines offer bonuses for specific combinations, so you’ll need to watch out for these and commit various patterns to memory.
You also have to make informed decisions and take risks. While risk is a major part of winning slot games, there is some skill involved, too, so you can boost your memory and other vital brain functions. Slot games can be played in a casino or online from the comfort of your home. There are hundreds of online slots available, so check out Jackpot Casino for slot game reviews and a selection of some of the best slots out there. These games range in theme, style and risk, and each option offers unique bonus options that you need to remember and use to strategise.
Most online slot games have a free demo version, so you can start with that, and if you want an extra thrill and the chance to win some cash, then you could consider playing for real money. If you do, make sure that you play responsibly and only bet as much as you can afford. You’ll then be able to have fun and boost your brain with slot games.
2. Card Games
Card games can be an ideal way to improve your memory, as they require you to remember what cards remain in the deck and create combinations to win hands. They also involve numbers and basic mathematics, depending on the game, so you can improve your numerical skills.
Card games come in all shapes and sizes, ranging from simple options like snap and 21 to more complex games such as cribbage and poker. Most card games require at least one additional player, but you can play online against a virtual or remote player if you don’t have someone with you to play when you want to. There are also single-player card games, like solitaire, that you can play on your own.
All you need is a pack of playing cards or a card game app on your phone and you can bolster your brain’s abilities. Card games are accessible and fun, and with so many variations, you can find ones that you’re familiar with or learn new games to make your sessions more exciting.
3. Crossword Puzzles
Crossword puzzles are a simple way to pass the time and improve your memory, puzzle-solving skills and other valuable cognitive skills. Crosswords come in a wide variety of formats, ranging from quick puzzles to cryptic clues that could take a few hours to complete the whole grid. There are puzzle books filled with crosswords themed around specific soaps, music genres or other topics, as well as more general puzzles.
Crosswords are often provided in daily newspapers, so if you still get these regularly, you can fill them out, or you could buy a book of crosswords to tide you over several days. Some apps offer regular crosswords, and you can also find them online, so whatever your preference, you can find it and start doing crosswords. If you want an additional challenge, you could consider making your own crossword puzzles.
Filling out the grid and creating clues is an art form and can be therapeutic, as well as challenging, for those who are passionate about crosswords. If you’re new to doing crossword puzzles, you might want to start small with quick puzzles themed around your favourite topics.
4. Board Games
Board games can be a great way to pass the time, but they also test your strategic abilities, making them ideal for those who want to reduce the symptoms of ageing on their brains. Many board games are great for brain health and can teach you important life skills. While chess and draughts are the obvious contenders for the best games for brain health, these games aren’t for everyone.
Thankfully, there are hundreds of board games out there to suit everyone. Some classics, such as Cluedo, Monopoly and others, come in various versions themed around pop culture. So, if you have a favourite band, TV show, video game franchise or movie, then you can find a game that combines your passion with a fun board game.
Board games are fun for those who like playing physical games using pieces and boards, but there are also app versions of many of these games for those who like to play digitally or for days when you don’t have players to compete against nearby. When you do have friends or family around to play with you, you can bond with them and have fun while you strategise and boost your counting and cognitive skills.
A Brief Summary
Playing games, either video games, written puzzles or competitions involving cards or pieces, is a popular pastime for many of us. They’re a fun way to relax and often feel mindless.
However, while you might think that you’re wasting your time chilling out and playing games, you could actually be doing your brain a lot of good by boosting your memory and honing your cognitive abilities. It’s impossible to stop your brain from ageing, but playing games like the ones suggested in this article can help.
It might take time to find the games you enjoy, but there are plenty of options you could consider, so you can have fun exploring all the choices. You can have fun playing games and boost your cognitive skills at the same time. So, next time you want to indulge in some gameplay to relax and unwind, remember you’re also improving your brain health!