10 brilliant board games for elderly persons

Ah, a good old-fashioned board game. From classic family favourites to more modern table-top games, these types of activities will never go out of style. Whether you’re chasing snakes and falling down ladders or trying to sink an opponent's battleship, not only are they fun to play, but they can really keep you on your toes.

Furthermore, studies have shown that playing board games may help elderly people keep their memories sharp, and let’s face it, you’re never too old for a little board game action! Without further ado, from mind-boggling word games to those that require a slightly more strategic mindset, here is our list of the best board games for the elderly.

1. Scrabble

As a classic tiled board game, you can play a good game of Scrabble with two or more players and really challenge your vocabulary skills. Not only is this firm family favourite a fun and interactive game, but it can also be great for stimulating your brain and keeping mentally active.

Much in the same way as undertaking a crossword, arrow word or sudoku puzzle, it can be a wonderful way to keep healthy while also keeping things competitive with friends and family members. Just remember to have the dictionary on hand…

2. Battleship

Battleship is another classic board game for elderly people. And no matter how much time passes, the fun never goes away. The great thing about this board game is that you can only play with two people, which gives you the perfect scenario for strategic thinking.

Universally adored, this war-themed game is super easy to learn and can keep you occupied for a long time, as you cleverly try to guess the location of your opponent’s ships.

3. Scattergories

Calling all creative game players. If you’re looking for a board game that encourages you to think on your feet, say hello to Scattergories. Each round throws up a single letter and a list of 12 categories. Each player then has three minutes to come up with an answer for each category starting with the chosen letter. You’re not allowed to repeat your answers and if someone has the same word, you miss out on a point.

Sounds easy? Sometimes, yes, but sometimes it’ll leave you scratching your head, which can lead to some hilarious results. It’s a great board game that forces you to think outside of the box.

4. Chess

Chess is a timeless favourite in the world of board games and can provide an ideal platform for connecting two people. Depending on how you wish to play the game, you can choose to set the pace. Whether you feel like rushing through or taking it slow and steady is entirely up to you.

As a great board game for elderly persons, while it may look complicated, chess is relatively easy to learn. It can also be helpful when it comes to improving cognitive skills and encourages creative problem-solving in order to beat your opponent.

5. Monopoly

This board game is timeless and no matter how old you are, it’s one that never gets old. Keeping your mind active, it’s all about trading property and thinking on your feet to make good deals and end up with the most amount of money. Throughout its lifespan, this classic board game has undergone minimal changes, even swapping the iconic Scottie dog for a more modern penguin. How time flies.

If you feel like moving ‘off board’, you can even try a game of Active Monopoly. Using the ground as a much bigger board, all you need is a dice, some counters, a little bit more space and you can trade to your heart's content.

6. Snakes and Ladders

This classic board game has been a family favourite throughout the years and is one that is sure to never go out of fashion. A game based on luck and roll of the dice, the great thing about this board game is that you can get lots of people involved at the same time. It can also come in a variety of different formats.

From board games with wooden parts to ones with bigger pieces, it’s a great board game for elderly persons to play with family or each other, and one you can really get stuck into - if you don’t fall off the board too early, that is.

7. Uno
Okay, so technically there’s no actual board involved with this game but then it’s not really a card game either, so we’ve found a way to make it fit the list. This game is one of the most fun ones to play, as it involves a certain amount of strategic thinking based on whichever cards come into your hands.

With brightly coloured, clearly outlined cards, it’s easy to follow and you can have a whole host of fun trying to beat your opponents and be the first one to say “ Uno!”

8. Qwirkle

Aside from being a great sounding game, Qwirkle is also really fun to play. Similar to Dominoes - and another game that isn’t technically played on a board - it’s a tile-placement game where players focus on matching colours and shapes.

Consisting of 108 wooden blocks with six different shapes in six different colours, the game uses pattern recognition and strategy to keep your brain engaged, making it happier and healthier.

9. Trivial Pursuit

Who doesn’t love a bit of trivia? If you’re one who’s always on the lookout for new facts and wants to test your general knowledge, then this is one of the best board games for you.

Trivial Pursuit is a great board game because it’s simple to play, allows you to play in teams and can be a quite competitive for those who like a challenge. You play by having your marker on the start space, and when you land on a coloured square you have to answer one of the general trivia questions from the card that corresponds to the colour.

10. Bingo

Ah, the all-around classic game of Bingo, which we’ve saved until last. Perfect for providing a good level of mental stimulation, this is a game that can be played at a specific Bingo hall or in smaller groups. Interesting, interactive and most of all fun, it’s also a familiar game for elderly people and focuses on utilising your brain but in a more relaxed way.

You don’t even necessarily have to use numbers if you’re so inclined. Substitute these with any topic you like, such as names or parts of the body. This is particularly helpful if you’re trying to focus on a specific recall subject. You can even opt for bigger Bingo cards so you can really see what you’re working with. So, what are you waiting for? Get dabbing straight away.

Once you’ve decided which board game you’re ready to play, you’ll want to make sure your home is fully equipped to host such an activity. This is where we can help, with the introduction of necessary adjustments, such as kitchen and bathroom customisations. From Walk-in Baths and Walk-in Showers to Wet Rooms, you can ensure your home is fully equipped for when you need it.