Traditionally, board games were and still are a great way to socialize and connect with family and friends. Have you played Scrabble, Trivial Pursuit, Monopoly or Chess at some point in your life?
Board games are fun activities that break isolation and create opportunities to connect with friends and family.
What does the research tell us about the effects of board games on the quality of life, physical and brain functions of older adults?
Let’s dive in.
A recent review of 27 studies shows that board games have positive impacts on knowledge, reasoning, physical activity, anxiety and severity of Alzheimer’s disease to just name a few.
Here are other findings:
- Board games can improve memory, but also increase and maintain cerebral activity, the speed of information processing, concentration, creativity and strategy.
- Board games can encourage learning and interpersonal interactions.
- Board games and their digital versions can help break social isolation and help older adults improve their quality of life.
- Board games can help increase the benefits of an intervention or treatment among older adults by increasing their motivation to adapt certain behaviours or to continue treatment.
Get your board games out of the closet and organize some board game nights in person or virtually!
