5 brain games that improve memory and focus in seniors
There's a quiet beauty in watching someone age gracefully — with sharp wit, calm focus, and a memory that still dances with stories from the past. While ageing does bring changes to the brain, science says it doesn't have to mean forgetfulness or mental fog. Certain games — thoughtfully chosen — can train the brain, much like exercise strengthens the body.
Not all brain games are made equal, though. Some claim to
improve memory and focus
, but have no real science behind them. The key is to choose games that actively engage different parts of the brain, create new neural connections, and spark joy while doing so. Here are 5 such brain-boosting games that go beyond the usual crosswords and Sudoku — ones that hold real promise for memory and attention, especially in older adults.
Jigsaw puzzles
Jigsaw puzzles are seen as simple pastime activities, perfect for killing time.
When a senior works on a jigsaw puzzle, the brain is doing something remarkable — using visual-spatial reasoning, activating short-term memory, and requiring problem-solving. Regular engagement with puzzles improved cognitive performance, particularly in the elderly.
Jigsaw puzzles also promote something subtle yet important — patience. And with patience comes the ability to focus for longer periods. It's not just about putting pieces together — it's about building a mental picture and holding it in the mind, a direct workout for memory.
Story recall games
Memory games that involve repeating words or phrases are enough.
The truth: While repetition helps, it's contextual memory that truly sharpens the brain — the kind used in story recall games. These games involve listening to a short, engaging story and then answering questions about the sequence, characters, or outcome.
This trains episodic memory — the ability to recall events and their context — which often declines with age. Story-based memory tasks activate both language and memory centres of the brain. Plus, if the stories spark emotion or nostalgia, retention improves dramatically. It's a mental gym session with a personal touch.
'Spot the difference' challenges
These games are for kids and offer little cognitive value for adults.
When two similar images are placed side by side with tiny differences, identifying those differences lights up the brain's frontal lobe — the same part responsible for attention and decision-making.
For seniors, especially those experiencing early cognitive decline, these challenges help train selective attention and detail orientation.
And here's something beautiful — these games often evoke laughter and curiosity. A little fun goes a long way in keeping the brain young.
Pattern replication games
Games like 'Simon Says' or colour-sequence memorisation are old-school fun with no real brain benefit.
These kinds of games actually train working memory — the mental scratchpad that holds information for immediate use. For seniors, working memory often becomes fragile, but studies show that it can be strengthened with regular training.
A classic pattern-replication game requires observing a sequence (such as lights or sounds) and repeating it correctly. The longer the sequence, the more the brain stretches to hold and recall. According to a 2017 report in Neuropsychology Review, repeated engagement in such games enhances cognitive flexibility and short-term memory in ageing adults.
They may seem simple, but their impact is quietly powerful.
5 Ancient Indian tips to improve intelligence and brain power
Music-based memory games
Listening to music is calming, but doesn't do much for brain health.
The truth: While music does soothe the mind, interacting with it — like recalling lyrics, completing musical patterns, or tapping along in rhythm — becomes a full-brain activity. In fact, music engages more areas of the brain than almost any other activity, including those responsible for memory, emotion, and motor skills.
Music-based memory games
can involve guessing songs from a few notes, completing a melody, or remembering the sequence of instruments. Studies, such as one from The Gerontologist (2019), have shown that older adults who participated in rhythm-based cognitive activities displayed improved attention and memory recall.
Plus, there's nostalgia. A familiar tune can unlock memories lost in time — making music games not only therapeutic but heartwarming.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
NDTV
28-05-2025
- NDTV
Activities For Seniors To Help Them Boost Their Mental Health
Mental health can decline in seniors due to a variety of interconnected factors. Aging often brings life changes like retirement, loss of loved ones, reduced physical ability, or chronic illnesses, which can lead to loneliness, anxiety, or depression. Cognitive decline, reduced social interaction, and even side effects of medications can also contribute. However, this decline is not inevitable, engaging in the right kinds of activities can significantly boost mental health. In this article, we share activities that can help boost mental health in seniors. 10 Activities that can boost mental health in seniors 1. Regular physical exercise Even gentle activities like walking, stretching, or yoga can trigger the release of endorphins—natural mood lifters. Exercise improves blood flow to the brain, helps regulate sleep, and reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression. It also strengthens muscles and bones, promoting independence, which contributes positively to mental health. 2. Social engagement Spending time with family, friends, or participating in group activities can combat feelings of isolation and loneliness. Meaningful social interactions provide emotional support and help maintain a sense of belonging and purpose, which are essential for mental well-being. 3. Creative hobbies Creative expression through painting, playing an instrument, knitting, or writing stimulates the brain and brings joy. These activities promote mindfulness, reduce stress, and can even help process emotions in a healthy way. 4. Volunteering or helping others Giving back to the community offers a deep sense of purpose and self-worth. Volunteering allows seniors to stay active, meet new people, and feel valued, all of which support positive mental health. 5. Lifelong learning Engaging in educational activities like reading, taking online courses, or attending lectures keeps the brain active and sharp. Learning new things builds confidence, enhances memory, and creates a sense of achievement. 6. Mindfulness and meditation Practices like meditation, deep breathing, or guided relaxation help reduce anxiety and promote emotional balance. These methods train the mind to focus on the present moment, reducing negative thought patterns common in depression or stress. 7. Gardening Spending time with nature while planting, watering, or tending a garden has a calming effect on the mind. It provides gentle physical activity, sunlight (a source of vitamin D), and a satisfying routine that boosts mood. 8. Pet therapy or animal companionship Interacting with pets reduces cortisol levels (stress hormone) and increases oxytocin (the bonding hormone). Pets provide companionship, routine, and unconditional love, all of which can alleviate loneliness and depression. 9. Playing games and puzzles Board games, card games, or puzzles like Sudoku and crosswords challenge the mind, enhance memory, and foster mental agility. When done socially, these also encourage laughter and connection. 10. Spiritual or faith-based activities Engaging in prayer, attending religious services, or joining spiritual discussion groups can offer comfort, hope, and community. These practices often provide emotional grounding, especially during times of loss or life transitions. Staying mentally, socially, and physically active can enhance mood, preserve cognitive functions, reduce stress, and improve overall emotional well-being. Disclaimer: This content including advice provides generic information only. It is in no way a substitute for a qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist or your own doctor for more information. NDTV does not claim responsibility for this information.
NDTV
28-05-2025
- NDTV
Spuds And Sudoku: The New Good Measures For Overall Health
While ageing is inevitable, ageing well is something we can influence. It's not just about the number of candles on your birthday cake - it's whether you've got the puff to blow them out, the balance to carry the cake and the memory to remember why you're celebrating. As we age, our bodies change. Muscle mass shrinks, bones weaken, reaction times slow. But that doesn't mean we're all destined for a future of walking frames and daytime TV. Ageing well isn't about staying wrinkle-free – it's about staying independent, mobile, mentally sharp and socially connected. In gerontology, there's a saying: we want to add life to years, not just years to life. That means focusing on quality – being able to do what you love, move freely, think clearly and enjoy time with others. There's no one-size-fits-all definition, but some simple home tests can give you a good idea. No fancy lab required – just a toothbrush, a stopwatch and a sense of humour. Balance One fun (and surprisingly useful) way to test your balance is to stand on one leg while brushing your teeth. If you can do this for 30 seconds or more (eyes open), that's a great sign of lower-body strength, coordination, and postural stability. A 2022 study found that people who couldn't balance on one leg for ten seconds had an 84% higher risk of death over a median follow-up of seven years compared than those who could. As such, balance is like a superpower for healthy ageing — it reduces falls, supports mobility, and can be improved at any age. Grip Grip strength is more than just opening jars. It's a powerful indicator of overall health, predicting heart health, cognitive function and even mortality risk. Research shows that for every 5kg decrease in grip strength, the risk of death from all causes rose by 16%. You can test grip strength using a hand-dynamometer (many gyms or clinics have them), or simply take note of everyday tasks – is opening bottles, carrying groceries, or using tools becoming harder? Floor-to-feet feat Can you sit on the floor and stand up without using your hands? This test is a true measure of your lower-body strength and flexibility, which are essential for daily activities and reducing the risk of falls. If you can do it, you're in great shape. If it's too tough, try the sit-to-stand test. Using a chair (no arms),see how many sit-to-stand transitions you can do in 30 seconds. This task is a good measure of lower limb function, balance and muscle strength, it can also predict people at risk of falls and cardiovascular issues. Mental sharpness Cognitive function can be measured in all sorts of complex ways, but some basic home tests are surprisingly telling. Try naming as many animals as you can in 30 seconds. Fewer than 12 might indicate concern; more than 18 is a good sign. Try spelling 'world' backwards or recalling a short list of three items after a few minutes. This skill is an important strategy to enhance memory in older adults. Challenge yourself with puzzles, Sudoku, or learning a new skill. These kinds of 'verbal fluency' and memory recall tests are simple ways to spot early changes in brain health – but don't panic if you blank occasionally. Everyone forgets where they left their keys sometimes. Lifestyle matters There's no magic bullet to ageing well – but, if one existed, it would probably be a combination of exercise, diet, sleep and social connections. Some of the best-studied strategies include: Daily movement: walking, resistance training, swimming or tai chi keep your muscles and bones strong and support balance and heart health. Healthy eating: a Mediterranean-style diet — rich in whole grains, fruit, vegetables, fish, olive oil and nuts – is linked to better brain and heart health. Sleep: seven to nine hours of quality sleep support memory, immunity and mood. Connection: some research suggests that loneliness is as harmful as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Stay engaged, join a club, volunteer, or just pick up the phone to a friend. If you can balance on one leg while brushing your teeth, carry a bag of potatoes up the stairs, and name 20 animals under pressure, then you're doing very well. If not (yet), that's OK, these are skills you can build over time. Ageing well means taking a proactive approach to health: making small, consistent choices that lead to better mobility, clearer thinking and richer social connections down the line. So tonight, give the one-leg toothbrush challenge a go. Your future self might thank you, especially if they still have all their teeth. (Authors: Catherine Norton, Associate Professor Sport & Exercise Nutrition, University of Limerick and Grainne Hayes, Assistant Professor in Exercise Physiology in the Department of Physical Education and Sport Sciences (PESS), University of Limerick) Disclosure statement: Catherine Norton has received funding from external organisations for related research. Grainne Hayes does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Time of India
How learning a new skill after 60 can slow down cognitive decline
Ageing is painted with a brush dipped in decline — fading memory, slow recall, and reduced mental sharpness. But recent studies tell a more hopeful story. In fact, the brain after 60 still has the power to adapt, build new pathways, and surprise even the experts. There's something quietly powerful about picking up a new skill at that stage of life. It's not just about passing time; it's about protecting the brain from slipping into decline. It's never about age — it's about engagement. Brain cells shrink with age By the time the 60s arrive, it's common for the brain's grey matter to shrink slightly. That's natural. What's less known is this: neurons — the cells that send signals in the brain — thrive when challenged with something unfamiliar. A study found that older adults who learned multiple new skills at once (like photography, painting, or using a tablet) showed significant improvements in working memory and cognitive flexibility, more than those who didn't try anything new. It wasn't about mastering the skills. It was about staying mentally 'on the toes.' The brain loves novelty. When faced with a new task, it builds fresh pathways. The more those pathways are used, the stronger they grow. Just like muscles in the gym. It's harder to learn at an older age The pace may slow, but the brain's reward system still lights up. After a certain age, learning feels like trying to run through mud. Slower, harder, maybe pointless. But truth lies deeper. Research shows that although older brains take longer to learn, the reward mechanisms — the part that makes something feel good — still light up strongly when progress is made. This means when an older adult learns to play a few chords on a guitar, or even cracks a basic phrase in a new language, the brain celebrates that win. And that celebration releases dopamine — a chemical that boosts attention, mood, and motivation. Over time, these small bursts of mental pleasure can help delay symptoms of memory loss and even early dementia. Crossword puzzles and Sudoku are enough to keep the brain sharp. It's comforting to think that daily puzzles are doing enough. While they have their benefits, studies suggest they only keep existing skills alive. They don't push the brain into new territory. Older adults' motor skill development is improved by brain stimulation Instead, activities like learning how to garden with new techniques, playing an instrument, or even picking up digital photography — these ask the brain to integrate unfamiliar information, recall patterns, make decisions, and sometimes, troubleshoot. That's a full brain workout. The real magic lies in the challenge. It's not about the skill itself, but the mental juggling required to grasp it. That's where cognitive strengthening takes place. It's never too late to try, but progress is limited What often goes unnoticed is how deeply emotional learning can be at 60 or beyond. When older adults engage in meaningful learning — say, joining a community art class or learning video calling to speak with grandchildren — the impact isn't just cognitive. It's emotional. According to Harvard Health , emotionally engaging activities stimulate the prefrontal cortex — the area responsible for decision-making and memory. In simple terms, when learning carries emotional meaning, the brain invests more energy into it. It remembers better. And it protects itself longer. Also, learning brings a sense of purpose — something that often fades with retirement. That sense of purpose has been directly linked with lower levels of depression and anxiety in older age. Only certain skills impact brain health Whether it's learning to knit complex patterns or trying video editing, the nature of the activity matters less than how immersive the experience is. Deep learning — where the person struggles a bit, reflects, makes decisions, and gradually builds fluency — has shown stronger cognitive outcomes. Deep engagement keeps the brain's attention networks and working memory circuits alive and well-oiled. It's not about the final product. It's about the hours spent trying, adapting, and growing. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
