Best Board Games for Seniors

Board games are a universal joy, transcending age barriers. They are for everyone, regardless of age or stage in life. Whether you’re a child, an adult, or a senior citizen, there’s a board game that’s just right for you, and we’re here to help you find it.

As we age, some board games may seem challenging due to small lettering or images. However, with the right adaptations and game choices, board games cannot only remain a source of joy and mental stimulation but also become a beacon of hope and encouragement for a fulfilling and engaging life.

This is why we want to help you get the best board games for elderly persons and their challenges.



Types of Board Games for Seniors

When it comes to board games, there are a few classics, as well as more modern games that are quite ideal for seniors;

  • Cards – A deck of cards can provide an array of games you can enjoy. Cards are affordable and fairly easy for an elderly person to read and use.
  • Scrabble – Scrabble is also a great game that requires some critical thinking and blending with the world of word puzzles for seniors.
  • Chess – Chess and Checkers is an easy and great game for seniors; it is easy to learn and employs problem-solving skills.
  • Monopoly – Monopoly is a fun and social game that needs a few members. It is ideal for social skills and development.
  • Ticket to Ride – Ticket to Ride is another fun game where the players will collect color-coded cards to claim tickets for their trains to connect from one city to another. The game is as competitive as a monopoly with simple rules.
  • Suspend – Suspend is a game similar to Jenga that takes the same concept, where you stack blocks and not stack metal rods instead.
  • Incan Gold – Incan Gold is a mix of a classic card game with Indiana Jones. You travel to ancient places, collect treasures, and avoid getting trapped.
  • Qwirkle – Qwirkle is a tile-placement game where you match colors and shapes similar to dominos; it uses pattern recognition and basic mathematics as strategies.

Benefits of Board Games for Seniors

Many studies have proven that playing board games, particularly card games, is highly beneficial for elderly individuals.

These recreational activities help them easily maintain cognitive functions, mental clarity, and memory retention.
Playing card and board games can help prevent the early onset of conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Dementia by keeping an elderly person’s brain active, functioning, and relaxed.

Board and card games not only improve cognitive functions but also enhance social and interpersonal skills in elderly individuals. They provide an opportunity for an elderly person to enjoy a game with family and friends, thereby strengthening their bonds. Moreover, the physical act of playing board games can help seniors maintain dexterity and hand-eye coordination and even improve their motor skills.

Playing board games has so many wonderful benefits for an elderly person.


Features of a Good Board Game for the Elderly

Family Classics

  • Quality Construction – Make sure your board game is good quality and is from a trusted brand. A board game is a long-term investment, so it needs to be of a quality that will last even with regular use.
  • Large Clear Lettering – Rather, opt for larger board games with larger lettering and symbols easily read by seniors with poor vision.
  • Bright Colors – Board games with brighter colors are easier for seniors to see and use. The bright colors are also more enticing and easier to use.
  • Easy to Read Instructions – Ensure that the board game is easy enough to play by seniors and that it comes with clear and easy-to-follow instructions.

Reviews: The Best Board Games for the Elderly

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1
Reviewed by: Eliza Ward Score: 98

  • This is the classic design scrabble game for seniors.
  • The game has letter tiles and a game guide to help you play.
  • The tiles come stored in a drawstring bag for your convenience.
  • It includes one board for the game, 100 tiles with letters, and four racks.


2

  • The Yahtzee game is also ideal for seniors and is fun to play with family and friends.
  • This is a dice-rolling game with 100 Scorecards that come with the game.
  • The shaker can double as storage for the scorecards and the dice.
  • Ideal for family fun.


3

  • Tickets to Ride is an extremely fun game for seniors.
  • It is a strategy game where you build tracks across the United States on a strategic board game.
  • This is a fun and adventurous game involving a train. You need to collect and match tickets to ride the train.
  • You can score points and claim railway routes for yourself in multiple ways.
  • Easy and social to play with friends and family.


4

  • The classic Boggle Game is likewise ideal for elderly individuals.
  • It involves a head-to-head word search game where the one that finds the most words wins.
  • You shake up the letters and flip the timer to spot the words fast,
  • You can play this game solo or with a few friends and family members.
  • You get the boggle grid base and lid, with 16 letter cubes, a sand timer, and instructions.


5

  • Monopoly is also a fun and classic game for everyone, even seniors.
  • It involves the nostalgic, original Monopoly game that is interactive and fun.
  • This is a classic digital design game for the elderly.
  • Hasbro is a trusted name when it comes to gaming.


6

  • Chess is a game for two that requires strategy and some knowledge for seniors who enjoy this game.
  • This is a quality chess set with 64 arranged squares and an 8 x 8 grid,
  • There are 32 back and ivory Staunton chess pieces with a 2.5-inch king.
  • The game is suitable for adults, children, and elderly individuals.


Index Table: Top Rated Board Games for Seniors

No.ProductImageFeaturesBrandScore
1Hasbro Scrabble - Senior Board Game
  • Classic Design
  • Easy for Seniors to Use
Hasbro98
2Hasbro Yahtzee - Board Game for the Elderly
  • Dice Rolling Game
  • 100 Score Boards
Hasbro97.8
3Days of Wonder Toicket to Ride - Board Game for the Elderly
  • Multiple Players
  • Easy Instructions
Days of Wonder97
4Hasbro Boggle - Board Game for Seniors
  • Classic Design
  • Easy for Seniors
Hasbro96.7
5Classic Game Monopoly - Board Game for the Elderly
  • Hasbro Gaming
  • Monopoly Set
  • Easy to Use
Classic Game97
6Family Classics Chess - Board Game for Seniors
  • Two Player
  • Easy Strategy game
Family Classics96.5


About the Author

Eliza Ward

Eliza Ward is a health enthusiast, nature lover, and full-time mother for 3 lovely kids in South Africa. She has always had a thing for improving the lives of the elderly and has the best product recommendations for all her friends and family. So she turned what she loved into her full-time job - by testing and recommending the best products for senior citizens. Read her reviews to know how detailed her observations are.