Memory games for over 60s: simple ways to keep your mind sharp.
Later life with Lateral is a time to stay curious, active and confident.
Though physical activity is often emphasised, we encourage you to keep the mind active too.
Although the best evidence for preventing dementia lies with keeping your whole body healthy and staying socially connected [read more here], there is some evidence suggesting that mentally stimulating activities and tasks are linked with better cognitive performance in adults aged 50 and over.
While these activities are not a cure for conditions such as dementia, organisations such as Alzheimer’s Society note that staying mentally and socially active may help maintain cognitive function.
From memory games and puzzles to social activities that challenge the mind in enjoyable ways, you’ll find plenty of options to keep your mind occupied in this guide.
The good news is that you do not need specialist equipment or anything complex to support your memory skills. Many brain games can be played at home, with friends, or even online, making them highly accessible.
Below, we explore a range of practical memory games for older people, encouraging problem solving, concentration and social interaction.
Whether you find joy in playing classic board games like chess, jigsaw puzzles or digital brain training games, here’s our list of great memory games to try.
The Advantages of Memory Games
As mentioned, taking part in brain training activities can provide several benefits for older adults.
Memory games have been proven to challenge different parts of the brain.
Activities such as puzzles, word games and strategy games require concentration, pattern recognition and logical thinking. These skills support cognitive skills and everyday problem solving, and can strengthen overall brain function.
Many brain training games encourage social interaction. Playing with friends, family members or local groups can help reduce feelings of isolation while encouraging conversation at the same time. This in itself can provide powerful protection against dementia.
And, many games are great for enhancing short term memory, which is also important for older adults. Memory games such as remembering cards or recalling information in quizzes exercise memory pathways that are relied upon in daily life.
Simple games, board games and puzzles are a fantastic fun activity to bring enjoyment to the everyday. When life feels mundane or repetitive, utilising memory games keeps things fun while exercising memory.
Many older people enjoy hosting board game evenings, bringing together friends to play with. In the longer term, in doing so, you’ll be supporting your mental health with social connection too.
So, if you’d like to try some memory games, here are the top ones that we recommend!
Sudoku
Get started: https://www.sudoku.com/how-to-play/
First on our list of memory games is Sudoku. Perhaps you’ve already heard of this popular Japanese brain training activity which challenges you to fill a grid with numbers.
The aim of the game is to make sure that each row, column and section contains the digits one to nine.
Although the rules are simple, the game requires plenty of concentration and logical problem solving. You will also have to analyse a range of patterns and eliminate any incorrect options, which is trickier than it sounds!
Research suggests that adults over 50 who regularly play number puzzles such as Sudoku perform better on tests of cognitive function, and that staying brain active with regular challenges like this can help improve memory over time.
Sudoku can be played online, in newspapers, or in puzzle books and many seniors find that Sudoku puzzles end up being a part of their morning routine.
So, grab a coffee or a cup of tea and sit down to enjoy a Sudoku. This type of logic puzzle is one of the easiest ways to keep your memory sharp.
Crossword Puzzles
Get started: https://www.theguardian.com/crosswords
Next on our list, we have classic crosswords, which combine both language skills and logical thinking.
Crosswords are a great way to keep the mind engaged and will certainly work your memory with a range of word prompts.
The aim is to solve clues to fill a grid with words, sometimes magazine crosswords even have monetary prizes to play for, a great motivator!
Crossword games encourage vocabulary recall, pattern recognition and creative thinking. Studies have linked regular participation in crossword puzzles with stronger cognitive performance and wider cognitive benefits among older adults.
You’ll find these types of word puzzles widely available in newspapers, magazines and online games platforms. There’s also the option to buy a crossword puzzle book if you really enjoy this type of memory game.
Jigsaw Puzzles
Get started: https://www.jigsawexplorer.com/help/
Jigsaw puzzles are simple but effective brain training games which many of us are familiar with.
All ages enjoy jigsaws, from young children to seniors and they’re one of the classic memory games you can play at your own pace.
The goal of a jigsaw is to assemble small pieces to form a complete picture. Though this game may sound simple; completing a puzzle requires visual spatial skills, planning and memory skills.
You’ll be challenged to remember jigsaw shapes, colours and patterns while searching for the correct pieces, all of which helps strengthen neural pathways associated with visual memory.
Many older adults find that jigsaw puzzles are relaxing while still stimulating the mind. You can also choose from a range of jigsaw puzzles, ranging smaller scale options to huge puzzles with hundreds of pieces!
Whether you gather the grandchildren for a jigsaw afternoon or challenge yourself independently, this memory game is enjoyable and satisfying at the same time.
Card Matching Game
Get started: https://www.wikihow.com/Play-Concentration-Card-Game
A card matching game is a straightforward activity that strengthens short term memory, and the great thing is, you don’t need much to get started!
To play, you’ll need a deck of cards, which should be placed face down on a table. Players take turns turning over two cards at a time. If the cards match, they get to keep the pair.
This is a simple game of memory recall. You’ll need to remember where cards are located, while using concentration skills to find the pairs.
This simple game for seniors can be both a great solo activity or a fantastic game to play with friends and is suitable for different ability levels. Regular play supports cognitive health by keeping memory recall sharp.
Scrabble
Get started: https://scrabble.hasbro.com/en-gb/rules
Next on our list, we have Scrabble! This well-known game is popular among all ages, and has been loved since 1948 when it was first released.
The board game challenges both your vocabulary and strategic thinking skills, making it excellent for memory training.
This game requires at least two players, who take turns to create words from letter tiles on a board while aiming to score points using premium squares.
Scrabble encourages language recall, pattern recognition and problem solving skills. It’s also perfect for social interaction, whether you want to play with friends or family.
Chess
Get started: https://www.chess.com/learn-how-to-play-chess
Chess is a classic strategy game that has challenged players for centuries. Though it may appear complicated at first, many people find that once they understand the basics, it becomes incredibly rewarding to play.
The aim of the game is to move your pieces across the board in a way that eventually traps your opponent’s king. Each piece moves differently, which means players must plan carefully and think several steps ahead.
Because of this, playing chess encourages logical thinking, lateral thinking and memory. You will often need to remember previous moves while also considering what your opponent might do next.
Many older adults enjoy chess because it provides a calm but stimulating challenge. You can play casually with friends or family, or even join a local chess club if you enjoy meeting others with similar interests.
Whether played occasionally at home or regularly as part of a group, chess remains one of the most enjoyable brain training games around. Handling the pieces also helps maintain dexterity in the hands and fingers.
Bingo
Get started: https://www.meccabingo.com/how-to-play-bingo
Bingo is one of the most well known games enjoyed by older people across the UK, particularly in community centres and social clubs.
The rules are simple. Players mark numbers on a card as they are called out, aiming to complete a line or full house before anyone else.
While the game itself is straightforward, it still encourages focus and attention. As numbers are announced, you must listen carefully and quickly scan your card to find the correct matches.
Another reason bingo remains so popular is the social environment that surrounds it. Many people attend weekly bingo sessions not only to play but also to spend time with friends and meet new people.
For any older person who enjoys relaxed social activities, bingo offers a great balance of memory training and shared fun.
Word Search
Get started: https://thewordsearch.com/how-to-play/
Word search puzzles are another excellent way to keep the mind engaged.
The goal is to find hidden words within a grid of letters. Words can appear horizontally, vertically or diagonally, which means you need to carefully scan the puzzle to locate them.
Although word searches look simple, they require concentration and attention to detail. As you search the grid, your brain works to recognise patterns and identify familiar combinations of letters.
These puzzles are also very accessible. They can be found in newspapers, puzzle books or online platforms.
Many older adults enjoy completing a word search in the morning or evening as a calm activity that still gives the brain a gentle workout.
Solitaire
Get started: https://bicyclecards.com/how-to-play/solitaire/
Solitaire is a classic card game that many people already know well.
Unlike some other games on this list, solitaire is usually played alone. However, this does not make it any less effective for keeping the mind active.
The aim of the game is to organise cards into specific sequences according to suit and number. To succeed, you must think carefully about each move and plan ahead.
This process encourages logical thinking, pattern recognition and memory. Players often need to remember which cards are hidden within the deck in order to make the best decisions.
Many seniors enjoy solitaire because it can be played at any time. All you need is a pack of cards or a digital version on a phone, tablet or computer.
If you enjoy quiet activities that still challenge your thinking skills, solitaire is a great option.
Trivia Quizzes
Get started: https://www.britannica.com/quiz
Trivia quizzes are a fantastic way to test your knowledge while having fun at the same time.
These quizzes can cover a wide range of topics such as history, geography, film, music or general knowledge. Players answer questions by recalling information they have learned over time.
Trivia games are particularly good for memory recall because they encourage the brain to search for stored knowledge.
They can be played alone, but they are often even more enjoyable in groups. Many pubs and community centres host quiz nights where teams compete in a friendly environment.
For older adults, trivia quizzes can be a wonderful way to combine brain training with social interaction.
Board Games With Strategy
Get started: https://www.boardgamegeek.com/browse/boardgame
Strategy board games offer another excellent opportunity to exercise the brain.
Games such as Monopoly, Risk and Ticket to Ride require players to think ahead and carefully plan their decisions. Each move influences what might happen later in the game.
Because of this, strategic games encourage planning, problem solving and memory. Players must remember previous moves while also considering the best strategy going forward.
These games are also ideal for family gatherings. Many households enjoy bringing out board games during holidays or weekend visits.
For older adults who enjoy spending time with loved ones, strategic board games provide both mental stimulation and quality social time.
Digital Brain Training Apps
Get started: https://www.lumosity.com/
In recent years, digital brain training apps and computer games designed to challenge the mind have become increasingly popular.
These apps provide short exercises designed to challenge memory, attention and problem solving. Many of them include several different mini games that focus on specific thinking skills.
Some games may test your ability to remember patterns, while others focus on reaction speed or concentration.
One of the advantages of these apps is convenience. They can be played on smartphones or tablets and many exercises only take a few minutes to complete.
For seniors who are comfortable using technology, brain training apps can be a quick and engaging way to keep the mind active. The skills practised can also support everyday tasks such as attention, planning and recall.
Animal Category Game
Get started: https://icebreakerideas.com/category-game/
The animal category game is a simple activity that can quickly become quite challenging.
Players take turns naming animals without repeating any that have already been said. As the game continues, remembering which animals have already been mentioned becomes increasingly difficult.
You can make the game more interesting by introducing a time limit or changing categories. For example, you could move from animals to countries, foods or famous landmarks.
This activity encourages quick thinking and memory recall while also creating plenty of laughter.
Because it requires no equipment, it is an easy game to play with friends or family at home.
Pattern Recall Game
Get started: https://www.wikihow.com/Improve-Short-Term-Memory
Pattern recall games are designed to strengthen short term memory.
To play, a group of objects or shapes is shown for a brief period of time. Once they are covered, players must try to remember what they saw and recreate the pattern.
This encourages observation and concentration. The brain practises storing visual information quickly and retrieving it again.
The game can be easily created using everyday household objects such as coins, pens or small toys.
Because it is so simple to organise, pattern recall games can be played almost anywhere.
Word Association Game
Get started: https://www.skillsyouneed.com/ps/word-association.html
Word association is a conversational brain game that encourages creativity and memory recall.
The rules are very simple. One person says a word, and the next person responds with a word that they associate with it.
For example, someone might say “beach”. The next person could reply with “sand”, followed by ‘sea’, then ‘boat’.
The game continues as each player adds a new association.
This activity helps strengthen language skills and encourages quick thinking. It also naturally creates conversation and laughter when played in a group.
For older adults looking for a relaxed way to keep their mind active, word association games are a great option.
More Information and Research
NHS mental wellbeing advice
https://www.nhs.uk/every-mind-matters/
Alzheimer’s Society brain training information
https://www.alzheimers.org.uk/about-dementia/managing-the-risk-of-dementia/additional-treatments-for-dementia-risk/brain-training
University of Exeter research on puzzles and cognitive performance
https://news-archive.exeter.ac.uk/2019/may/title_716265_en.html
References
NHS Every Mind Matters guidance
Alzheimer’s Society. Brain training and dementia research overview
University of Exeter research on puzzles and cognitive performance in adults over 50
Harvard Health Publishing: cognitive activity and puzzles
