Everyone is forgetful from time to time, which is why it is as important to exercise your brain as it is to exercise your body. Some of the main reasons people find it hard to recall information are being overwhelmed with information, feeling tired or getting older. These games are the perfect way for people of all ages to stimulate their brain as well as being fabulous fun!
Kim’s Game
A popular game for children’s groups such as Scouts as well as for reputable organizations such as the military, Kim’s Game is easy to play. One person is the leader, the other(s) are the guesser(s). Set several random objects on a tray or table for the guesser(s) to memorize. After a set amount of time, the leader covers the items with a blanket, removing one or more. The blanket is then removed, and the guesser(s) must name the missing object or objects. The more items there are on the tray, the harder it is!
Simon
Pocket Simon was a must-have gift for 80s children, with the electronic toy a favorite with all ages. The device has four light-up colored sections in blue, red, yellow and green. The machine plays a pattern for the user to repeat back, adding one color at a time until a mistake is made. This popular toy has been modernized for today’s kids but follows the same familiar rules, making it fun for those who had a ‘Simon’ first time around.
Pairs
This simple memory game is always well-received. Players take it in turns to match an upturned piece with its partner. Pieces guessed incorrectly are turned back over but stay in in the same spot so players must use their memory to find the pairs. Games like these are popular with senior living facilities offering memory care for seniors as they can help improve recall.
Brain Training Games
Brain training apps and games are extremely popular as they are a fun way to exercise the brain. The opportunity to better your previous score also appeals to the more competitive senior. Although these apps might not improve memory, they can help strengthen the connections between brain cells, a sign that you are learning something new.
‘I Went Shopping…’ Game
A long-time favorite of parents traveling with young children, this memory game is great because it doesn’t require a board, pieces or anything more than your voice and memory! A person starts by saying, ‘I went shopping and I bought [something beginning with ‘a’]’. The next person responds by saying ‘I went shopping and I bought [the object beginning with ‘a’ named by player one and something beginning with ‘b’]. Working through the alphabet and adding to the list can be a challenge and bring up some surprising suggestions of items bought!
Improving memory through games can be entertaining and give plenty of fun moments to the whole family; however, if you are concerned about the memory of a loved one, encourage them to seek medical advice.
