Board games are a favorite pastime for many seniors, and it’s easy to see why. Whether at a family dinner or hanging out with friends, they’re a fantastic way to pass the time! And since most games are perfect for playing while seated, they’re also an excellent choice for people with mobility challenges. But the benefits don’t stop there — research suggests that playing board games is good for the brain, too.
With so many enjoyable games out there, it can be challenging to find one that everyone will genuinely love. We’ve rounded up 20 of the best board games for seniors. We hope you discover a new favorite!
The Benefits of Board Games for Seniors
Many board games for seniors offer more than just entertainment. Here are some reasons why board games are so good for seniors:
- Improved Mental Health: Studies have shown that playing board games can boost mood and reduce stress. Whether it’s the laughter shared with friends or the excitement of a win, enjoying board games for older adults can help combat feelings of loneliness or anxiety.
- Cognitive Benefits: Board games that involve strategy or memory can improve brain function. This is especially important for seniors, helping them to stay mentally sharp and reducing cognitive decline.
- Social Interaction: Social interaction is beneficial for people of all ages, including older adults. Board games can be a wonderful way to connect with a senior loved one.
- Better Focus and Concentration: Many board games for seniors require players to think ahead, plan their moves, and pay attention to details. This can help improve concentration and focus, and even delay or prevent the onset of cognitive diseases.
1. Scrabble
Scrabble is a classic word game where players create words on a game board using letter tiles, with each letter having a different point value. It’s a great option if you enjoy a bit of friendly competition. To make the game more accessible, consider using a large-print board and tiles, and give players plenty of time to think through their word choices without feeling rushed.
2. Rummikub
In Rummikub, players arrange numbered tiles into sets or runs, like in a card game. The goal is to be the first to use up all your tiles by forming combinations of numbers. It’s a great way to exercise memory and pattern recognition while having fun.
3. Qwirkle
Qwirkle is all about matching shapes and colors to create lines on the board. If you’d like to keep the game moving smoothly, you can limit the number of tiles each player holds at once. This can help keep the game enjoyable by making it easier for everyone to plan their moves without feeling rushed.
4. Ticket to Ride
Ticket to Ride offers a great mix of strategy and luck, with plenty of room for friendly competition. The goal is to collect train cards to build routes across a map. To make the game even more senior-friendly, consider starting with a simplified version of the map. You can also adjust the number of tickets dealt to each player for a more relaxed pace.
5. Sequence
Sequence combines elements of card and board games. Players aim to create sequences of five chips in a row. If you’d like to make the game slower, you can adjust the number of chips each player can place per turn.
6. Dominoes
It’s hard to talk about the best board games for seniors without mentioning Dominoes. In this classic game, players take turns matching tiles with the same number of dots. The goal is to be the first to play all your tiles or to have the least left when the game ends. Consider using a larger set of dominoes to make the tiles easier to handle.
7. Sagrada
Sagrada challenges players to create a stained-glass window using colorful dice. Each player must follow specific rules to place the dice on the board, creating patterns and earning points for matching colors and numbers.
8. Azul
Azul is a beautifully designed tile game in which players take turns selecting and placing tiles to complete patterns. It’s visually stimulating and encourages creative thinking. To make it more enjoyable, consider focusing on one pattern at a time so everyone can enjoy the game without feeling rushed.
9. Carcassonne
Like many board games for seniors, Carcassonne offers plenty of opportunities for strategy as you try to outsmart your opponents. The goal for each player is to build a medieval landscape with cities, roads, and fields, and place their followers on these features to score points.
10. Blokus
In Blokus, players take turns placing uniquely shaped pieces on a board, aiming to cover as much space as possible. The challenge is that each piece must touch another piece of the same color, but only at the corners — no sides allowed! Blokus can be played solo, in pairs, or in a group, making it a flexible and engaging option for any gathering.
11. Bananagrams
Bananagrams is a fast-paced word game where players race to create their own crossword grids using letter tiles. It’s quick and fun, with plenty of opportunities to think creatively. For a more relaxed pace, consider focusing on building small, simple grids.
12. Splendor
In this game, players try to build the most impressive collection of cards. The game requires you to carefully decide when to collect gems and when to spend them. It’s a game that combines luck with planning, making it enjoyable for seniors who like a challenge but prefer a slower pace.
13. Hive
Hive is all about thinking ahead and planning your moves. In this two-player strategy game, the goal is to surround your opponent’s queen bee while protecting your own.
14. Quarto
Quarto is a fun, unique, and strategic game where players take turns placing pieces on a 4×4 board, trying to create a line of four pieces that share a common attribute, such as color, shape, height, or texture. The twist is that you don’t choose your own pieces — you select one for your opponent to place! This adds an interesting level of strategy, as you need to think not only about your own moves, but also about how to limit your opponent’s options.
15. Tsuro
In Tsuro, players place tiles to create paths on the board, aiming to stay on the board longer than their opponents. Like many board games for seniors, Tsuro has simple rules but still offers plenty of strategy to keep things interesting.
16. Dixit
Dixit is a beautifully imaginative game where players use abstract illustrations on cards to tell stories, and others guess which card matches the storyteller’s description. The goal is to be both creative and clever — without being too obvious. It’s a wonderful game that’ll spark conversation and laughter.
17. Codenames
In Codenames, players try to guess words based on one-word clues. To make it more accessible for everyone, consider using larger print cards.
18. Kingdomino
Kingdomino is a fun and fast-paced game where players take turns selecting domino-like tiles to build their own kingdom. Each tile has a combination of terrain types, such as forests, lakes, or fields. The goal is to create the most valuable kingdom by matching terrains and placing tiles strategically.
19. Othello
Othello is a classic strategy game where players try to capture their opponent’s discs by flipping them to their color. The goal is to have the most discs of your color on the board by the end of the game. Like many games for seniors, the game requires careful thinking and planning ahead, making it perfect for seniors who enjoy a challenge.
20. Uno
If you’re searching for the perfect game for a family gathering or casual hangout with friends, Uno is a wonderful choice. Players compete to be the first to get rid of all their cards by matching them by color or number to the card in play. The game also includes fun action cards like “Skip,” “Reverse,” and “Draw Two” to keep things exciting. For even more fun, you can play in teams or remove some of the action cards to make it more enjoyable for everyone.
Fun Living With StoryPoint Group Communities
At StoryPoint Group communities, we believe the golden years are about more than just aging — they’re about thriving, growing, and savoring every precious moment. Each of our communities features a fun-filled activity calendar packed with a wide variety of delightful and enriching activities for seniors that are designed to help our residents enjoy each day to the fullest.
To find out what it’s like to live with us or just say hello, call us today at 1-844-275-9990 or schedule a tour of a community near your location. We can’t wait to get to know you!
