50 + 1 GREAT GAMES FOR ELDERLY PEOPLE IN PERTH
Julie- Nov 13, 2024
- 13 min read
As we age, our love for fun and games never truly disappears. Despite physical limitations that may come with age, there are still many enjoyable games that are suitable for older individuals. These games not only provide mental stimulation, but also contribute to overall health and well-being, whether played alone or with others. If you're looking for some ideas, here are 51 games that are perfect for seniors to try out: grab some paper, cards, and dice, and get ready to have a good time!
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In this article on great games for elderly people:
Sporty games
Puzzle games
Outdoor games
Video games
Board games
Online games
Card games
Social games
Dice games
Word games
Memory games
Number games
The Benefits Of Playing Games For The Elderly
As we age, our love for fun and games never truly fades away. Despite any physical limitations that may come with age, there are still many enjoyable games that are suitable for older Australians. These games not only provide mental stimulation, but also contribute to overall health and well-being, whether played alone or with others. If you're looking for some ideas, here are 51 games that are perfect for seniors in Australia to try out: grab some paper, cards, and dice, and get ready to have a good time!
The Benefits of Playing Games for Elderly Australians
There are plenty of benefits when it comes to playing games; not just for elderly Australians, but for people in general. These benefits include:
Preventing boredom
Improving mental health
Keeping the brain active
Boosting memory and concentration
Nurturing imagination and creativity
Relieving stress
Encouraging socialising and bonding
Improving mood and wellbeing
Even though some elderly Australians might have physical or cognitive challenges, most games can easily be modified to suit the person playing; from cards or board games with larger text to quick 5-10 minute games for those with a reduced attention span.
The variety of games that are now available is seemingly endless, which can make the choice difficult. To help you narrow down your options, we've provided a few categories of senior citizen-friendly games, with a few examples to inspire you.
If you're ready to have some fun and play games, read on to discover all the different games available for elderly Australians!
Sporty Games
Sporty Games for Seniors
For older adults who have greater mobility and no health conditions to prevent them from running around in Australia, there is a range of sporty games for elderly people.
Badminton
If you’re up for a more physically demanding activity, badminton is a fun game where players hit a shuttlecock over a net. Similar to tennis, badminton is less aggressive and the racquet is lighter, making it ideal for older players.
Beach Ball
Get a couple of teams together for a game of beach ball - try to keep the ball in the air for as long as possible by volleying it back and forth between players. You can also play this seated if players find it difficult to stand for long periods of time - and use a balloon instead of a ball.
Wiffle Ball
A miniature version of baseball, in Wiffle Ball players attempt to score more runs than the other team over six or more innings. The game is played using a lightweight plastic ball and a plastic bat and can also be played indoors if there is enough room.
Tetherball
Tetherball is a simple game that can improve mobility and flexibility. A ball is suspended by a string from an upright pole and players hit the ball in opposite directions; either using their hand or a bat. The aim of the game is to wrap the ball around the pole in either a clockwise or counterclockwise direction before your opponent can hit it back.
Golf
Golf is a much-loved pastime for many seniors in Australia and doesn’t involve too much strenuous exercise. If your loved one can’t get to the golf course anymore, why not set up a golfing green in the garden so that they can still enjoy their favourite hobby. If your loved one lives in a care home, you can also purchase indoor putting mats.
Puzzle Games
Puzzle Games for Elderly Australians
Incorporating puzzle games into your daily routine can improve brain function and even help prevent cognitive decline and dementia. Puzzle games can also reduce blood pressure and slow the heart rate, making them a great way to de-stress and relax. Here are a few puzzle games that are suitable for seniors in Australia:
Jigsaw Puzzles
A classic puzzle game, jigsaw puzzles challenge the mind and improve visual-spatial skills, memory, and logic. There are also puzzles that have been specifically designed for people living with dementia.
Ubongo
A competitive puzzle game for two to four players, Ubongo involves solving individual puzzles of interlocking geometric shapes as quickly as possible to earn gems.
Cranium
A group game that includes a variety of puzzles, such as acting, sculpting, drawing, and music, Cranium challenges players to complete tasks that may include drawing with their eyes closed, spelling words backwards, and humming songs.
Cluedo
A murder mystery game that has been around since the 1940s, Cluedo involves using logic to identify the murderer, weapon, and location. There are many variations of Cluedo available, including themes based on Game of Thrones, Harry Potter, and Star Wars.
Outdoor Games
Outdoor Games for Seniors
In warm weather in Australia, it’s fun to head outside for some outdoor games with friends and family. If you’re worrying about your elderly relative running around playing tennis, don’t worry - there are many outdoor games that can be adapted for those with reduced mobility.
Croquet
An old-fashioned garden game, croquet requires players to hit their balls through a six-hoop course to hit the centre peg and win. You can even ‘roquet’ your opponents by knocking their ball off course!
Bowls
Bowls is a peaceful lawn game that’s perfect for seniors. Players take it in turns to roll a special ball along the lawn to get their ball closer to the target, or jack, than their opponent's. The only frustrating thing is watching your opponent knock your ball out of the target zone on their turn!
Bocce
Bocce dates back to the Roman Empire and is a popular outdoor game that’s great for elderly people in Australia. A Bocce set consists of eight bocce balls and a pallino or a jack. Teams must toss the balls as close to the jack as possible to win.
Ring Toss
An old-fashioned funfair-style game, ring toss is simple and enjoyable. Simply place a post or stick a certain distance away from all players, then take it in turns to toss a ring or a hoop over the stick. The player with the most successful throws wins. To make it harder, increase the distance of the post, make the hoops smaller, or challenge players to throw with their non-dominant arm. If you don’t have a post and hoops, you can throw a bean bag instead.
Skittles
Another old favourite, a game of skittles is easy to set up and play outdoors in Australia. If you don’t have a skittles set to hand, you can use bottles or cans. Skittles can also be played sitting down if you use a table as the ‘bowling lane’.
Video Games
Video Games for Seniors
Although video games have a bit of a reputation for being for the younger generations, in fact elderly people love to play video games too - with many over 60s playing video games every day in Australia. Video games aren’t always solely about shooting and fighting either - they provide visual and auditory experiences that can help keep older people engaged and entertained.
To play video games, you can use anything from a laptop or computer to a smartphone, digital tablet or games console.
Candy Crush
A popular mobile game, in Candy Crush you match together different pieces of colourful candy to reach goals within set time limits or number of moves. A game that’s possibly even more addictive than sugar itself, Candy Crush does encourage players to make connections and patterns to keep their mind sharp.
The Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim
This is one for fantasy fans - Skyrim is a beautifully designed quest game set in a fantasy world where you can undertake challenges in your own time. Enjoy exploring the extensive map, meet new characters and fight fearsome dragons, all from the comfort of your sofa.
Civilization
In this fun video game, players build a virtual empire using key strategies such as diplomacy and warfare, trying to find the best way to be the most successful ruler. The game was first released in 1991 and has released no fewer than six iterations since, with several spin-offs to enjoy too.
Animal Crossing
Nintendo’s Animal Crossing is a charming social simulation video game in which you move to a new village and meet its animal residents, complete small challenges and furnish your own home by buying and selling materials. An endless and non-linear game, Animal Crossing encourages social interaction, creative thinking and critical thinking, but is also a really relaxing way to spend an hour or two.
Board Games
Board Games for Elderly Australians
Board games are a great option for groups or families to play together and can help slow cognitive decline or reduce depression in seniors. Many board games can be played while sitting down, making them suitable for those with limited mobility. If you or a loved one live in a care home, consider asking the activities coordinator to plan a board games night with prizes. Here are a few board game options to try:
Chess and Checkers
Classic board games that challenge logic and strategy, chess and checkers improve focus, concentration, and memory as players plan their next moves and remember previous combinations.
Ticket to Ride
A family game in which players collect North American railway routes to travel to cities around the world, Ticket to Ride has many variations, including Poland, San Francisco, Europe, Amsterdam, and London. It is suitable for all ages and is a good option for new players or those who prefer a more relaxed game.
Dixit
A beautifully illustrated board game that encourages imagination and creativity, Dixit involves players taking turns as the "storyteller" and making up sentences about chosen picture cards. The other players select cards that match the sentence and everyone votes on which card belonged to the storyteller. Dixit is a game full of surprises and is both charming and entertaining.
Scrabble
A classic board game for word lovers, Scrabble involves connecting words together to score points by spotting letter patterns. It can be played with two to four people and can help improve vocabulary. Scrabble can also be played online against a computer or other online players.
Online Games
Online Games for Seniors
If your elderly loved one has access to a smartphone or a computer in Australia, why not get them to discover some fun online games? There are tonnes of different free online memory games for seniors, including:
Lumosity
Lumosity can be found on the App Store for iPhones or the Google Play Store for android phones. You’ll find a diverse variety of brain training games on Lumosity, from logic and number puzzles to memory and problem-solving puzzles.
Mahjong
Mahjong is a Chinese tile game similar to Scrabble that can be played in person or online. Players take turns to roll the dice to group tiles of different symbols and characters and build a winning combination of tiles. Each player gets 14 tiles and Mahjong is achieved by grouping all 14 tiles into four sets and one pair. Points are awarded based on the moves made and the speed at which correct moves are made.
Catan
Originating from the German board game Settlers of Catan, Catan can now be played online. Players compete to be the dominant force on the island of Catan by collecting tools and resources to build settlements, cities and roads.
Online Escape Rooms
Escape rooms aid logic and strategy, as well as being fun to play online. Typically users are placed in a room or building and have to use the computer mouse to click and investigate different objects, solving puzzles as they go. There are lots of online escape rooms for seniors in Australia to play that encourage seniors to exercise their brains and find a way out of the room or scenario within the time limit.
Card Games
Card Games for Elderly Australians
Card games are a convenient option that only require a flat surface to play on. Card games have been around since ancient China and are still very popular today. You can also find packs of oversized playing cards or decks with large print for those with vision impairments. Here are a few card game options to try:
Gin Rummy
A classic card game in which players try to organize their cards before their opponent, gin rummy involves collecting cards into melds and having as little "deadwood" (useless cards) as possible. The game ends when one player reaches 100 points.
Old Maid
A game that requires a good poker face, Old Maid involves discarding cards in pairs as quickly as possible until one person is left holding the unwanted "Old Maid" card. To play, choose one card to leave out of the pack and divide the rest between players. For added suspense, don't look at the card you've left out.
UNO
A card game similar to Blackjack, UNO involves trying to get rid of cards by matching them to the upturned card on the top of the deck. Players must declare "UNO" when they have only one card left or face a penalty. UNO is easy to play and suitable for the whole family.
Solitaire
A solo card game that can also be played as a computer game, Solitaire offers several variations, including Klondike (the classic version), Pyramid solitaire, Golf solitaire, and Yukon. It is a good game to play when you have a few hours to spare.
Social Games
Social Games for Seniors in Aged Care Homes
If you or your elderly loved one lives in an aged care home in Australia, there are many fun social games that can be played in a group to encourage social interaction and bonding.
Bingo
Who doesn’t love a game of bingo? Players compete to be the first player to match five numbers in a row or a column in this popular game. Why not see if there’s a bingo hall near you, or if you live in an aged care home - ask the activities coordinator to put on a special bingo night.
Name that Tune
This is a great one for a nostalgia trip - simply gather everyone together and play the first few seconds of a song, pausing it to let people guess what it is. Keep playing and pausing the song until someone guesses correctly.
Charades
Charades is an energising party game that gets everyone up on their feet and moving. Players take it in turns to think of a word or a phrase - often a book or a film - and act it out for the other players to guess.
Guess the Food
Guess the Food is a brilliant game that can be enjoyed by all ages and is easy to set up. All you have to do is select a few different foods - for seniors it’s really effective if you pick nostalgic foods that might trigger memories - blindfold the players and challenge them to guess what the food is. This sort of game also opens up discussion of past experiences and fond memories, which is especially beneficial for those living with dementia.
Lucky Dip
Gather a group together and fill a small bag with items, then encourage players to take turns to dip their hands in and feel for an object. Each player then tries to guess what they’re holding before pulling the item out of the bag to reveal it. If you fill the bag with sensory and reminiscence items, this is another great game for dementia patients living in aged care homes in Australia.
Dice Games
Dice Games for Elderly Australians
Dice games are a fun and easy option that only require a few dice and some paper. These games can be played anytime and anywhere. Here are a few dice game options to try:
Yahtzee
In Yahtzee, players take turns rolling five dice and try to achieve the highest-scoring combinations. Special Yahtzee sets include a dice cup, five dice, ten bonus chips, and 80 score cards for keeping track of games.
Liar's Dice
A bluffing game in which players try to deceive their opponents and spot when they are being tricked, Liar's Dice involves the first player calling their hand and the other players deciding whether to call a higher-ranking hand, call the first player's bluff, or re-roll some or all of their dice. When a bluff is called, the accused player must reveal their dice, and the winner is determined.
Bunco
A dice game typically played in groups of 12 or more, Bunco involves rolling three dice in a series of six rounds and trying to win as many points as possible by rolling dice that match the round number. Rolling three of the same number that also matches the round number is called getting a bunco.
Mexico
An elimination-style dice game, Mexico involves agreeing to play a set number of rounds and trying to avoid rolling the lowest dice score in each round to be the last player standing. When all players except one have been eliminated, the remaining player is the winner.
Word Games
Word Games for Elderly Australians
Keep your language skills sharp with these word games:
Crosswords
From simple to cryptic, crosswords involve solving clues to fill out a grid with interconnected words and phrases. You can find daily crossword puzzles in the newspaper, play online, or buy a special crossword puzzle book.
Hangman
A simple paper game that can be played with a partner, Hangman involves one player thinking of a word and the other player trying to guess it one letter at a time. However, each wrong letter brings the little stick figure closer to danger, so guess carefully!
Boggle
In this board game, players take turns shaking a tray of 16-letter dice and try to spot as many words as they can before the timer runs out. Points are awarded for each word, with longer words earning more points.
Articulate
A fast-paced board game, Articulate involves teams trying to describe cards in 30 seconds without saying the word on the card. There are several categories of cards, including Nature, Random, Action, and Person. Describing a word without saying it can lead to some funny guesses, especially when competing against a timer.
Memory Games
Memory Games for Elderly Australians
These memory games will help keep your brain sharp and your memory strong:
Card Matching
For this game, place a deck of cards or special picture cards face-down on a table, then take turns flipping over two at a time to find matching pairs. This game can be played alone or in a group.
Flag Game
Test your geography knowledge with this memory game by trying to remember all the different flags of the world. There are also many flag game apps available for smartphones.
The Tray Game
To play the tray game, place a variety of objects on a tray and give players some time to look at them. Then, cover the items with a cloth and see who can recall the most items in a set time limit. This game is great for improving memory skills.
The Shopping List Game
This memory game is fun and challenging, especially when played in a group. To play, the first player says: “I went to the shop and I bought…”, naming an item of their choice. The next player must then repeat the first player’s item and add an additional item. Go around the group until someone misses out an item or can’t remember what comes next.
Pub Quiz
A pub quiz is a great way to test your memory skills while having fun with a group. Stick with traditional categories like sports, history, literature, or create your own to tailor the quiz to the players.
Number Games
Number Games for Elderly Australians
These number games will challenge your brain and mental maths skills:
Sudoku
Sudoku puzzles involve completing a grid of numbers so that each row, column, and sub-grid contains each number from one to nine. Different difficulty levels are available, from easy to hard. Doing Sudoku helps build strong maths and logic skills and can be found in newspapers or online.
Battleships
A two-player game that uses maths and probability, Battleships involves hiding ships on opposite sides of a board and taking turns to guess the locations of each other's ships. Originally a pen and paper game, Battleships can now be played as a board game as well.
Minesweeper
A numbers-based video game, Minesweeper encourages players to use logic to open all the squares in a grid without setting off a mine. It is a fun way to practice problem-solving skills.
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