Top 10 Brain Games for Seniors Free to Download

As you age, you may not use your mind the same way you did when you were younger. To keep your brain active, play brain games. They engage your mind, combat cognitive decline, and improve thinking skills.

According to the National Institutes of Health, participating in cognitive activities can delay the onset of rapid memory decline. Engaging in activities that are beneficial for the brain can hinder the prevalence and onset of cognitive impairment.

It’s important to regularly change the brain games you play to sharpen our focus, reasoning and decision-making skills. Different games exercise different parts of the brain, so change brain games often to improve cognitive skills such as memory, attention, problem-solving, and processing speed. Don’t have the money to pay for premium games? Don’t worry! Here are 10 brain games for seniors that are free to download.

Chess

Playing Chess involves cognitive abilities such as planning, analysis and problem-solving. Play the game often to build up your brain’s cognitive reserves. A past research study showed that chess players are significantly better at recalling words than people who have never played the game. They are also better at remembering and recognizing visual patterns.

Free Chess game to download for your iPhone or Android phone.

Crossword Puzzle

These puzzles improve your vocabulary and language skills because they require you to know words not found in everyday vocabulary. Play crossword puzzles ever day to learn new words and their meanings.

Free Crossword puzzle to download for your iPhone or Android phone.

Scrabble

Research reveals that Scrabble players make use of brain regions associated with working memory and visual perception. This is because the game requires you to perform brain exercises such as word recognition, memory, and visual perception.

Free Scrabble game to download for your iPhone or Android phone.

Solitaire

Solitaire is a great game for exercising the mind. As you play, you must focus on different elements: the cards, the stockpile, and your next move. It improves your problem-solving skills as it trains your brain to solve problems simultaneously.

Free Solitaire game to download for your iPhone or Android phone.

Sudoku

This popular Japanese brain game stimulates your mind by working on your logical thinking process. It also helps with decision-making because you must understand the game’s rules in order to win.

Free Soduku game to download for your iPhone or Android phone.

Trivia Game

Trivia games enhance your memory by requiring your brain to recall facts, dates, and details. Trivia questions often involve problem-solving and critical thinking, challenging your brain to stay active.

Free trivia game to download for your iPhone or Android phone.

Jigsaw Puzzle

A past study revealed that playing jigsaw puzzles involves multiple cognitive skills and can protect the elderly from cognitive aging. And surprisingly, it can help players cope with stressors by regulating distressing emotions.

Free jigsaw puzzles to download for your iPhone or Android phone.

Memory Games

A past study showed that brain training games, like memory games, play a major role in improving cognitive functions. Memory games enhance critical thinking, helping seniors improve their attention to detail.

Free memory game to download for your iPhone or Android phone.

Tetris

Research has shown that regularly playing Tetris can improve language, processing speed, critical thinking, and reasoning. The fast-paced nature of the game and the demand for spatial reasoning both contribute to a sharper, agile mind.

Free Tetris game to download for your iPhone or Android phone.

Word Unscrambling Game

These games exercise your brain and improve your focus. As you play, you must take the time to examine each letter and think creatively. Your brain works hard to solve the problems, which leads to improved memory and critical thinking. Each difficult challenge motivates you to push yourself beyond your comfort zone.

Free word unscrambling game to download for your iPhone or Android phone.

Alice M

Alice is a writer and editor for Gainful Retirement. She is passionate about helping retirees live fulfilling lives without financial constraints. She puts a lot of time and effort conducting market research to identify common issues faced by retirees. Her passion is to help you enjoy retirement and solve the most pressing issues you face.