Fun Games for Seniors - from Bingo to Horseshoes

It's a pleasure to plan games for seniors. Not only do they have fun, but it keeps their minds stimulated. The first thing you need to determine is the physical limitations of those participating. A senior with arthritic fingers might be uncomfortable doing a craft activity, but would enjoy a trivia game. No matter what the game is, seniors enjoy the chance to socialize and try different things. This article details five games that span a variety of interests.

Sing Along Bingo- Bingo is the most popular game among seniors. Sing along bingo is a variation of regular bingo. Make up cards with the same amount of squares as regular bingo. Instead of letters and numbers, each square will feature the title of a song. Older, patriotic songs work best. The caller will sing out the song and the guests will try to guess the title. Upon doing so, they will place a chip on that square. Most seniors will sing along with the caller. Hand out prizes similar to regular bingo.

Jeopardy- Play a trivia game Jeopardy style. Have the questions relate to specific time periods, movies, actors, and other categories that a senior will be familiar with. This game is not for those with memory problems.

Horseshoes - Today's seniors don't want to be couch potatoes. They want to be outside getting some exercise in the fresh air. Participants play a game of horseshoes with two to four horseshoes each. Scoring could be 5 points if the horseshoe is touching the stake, 10 points if it is leaning on the stake and 20 points if it is a ringer. Those in wheelchairs could throw from a closer distance and blind participants could walk the distance of the course, feel the formation of the stakes, and have a peer guide to point them in the right direction when throwing.

Golf- Golf can be enjoyed with just two people or a group. Not only is it outside in the fresh air, but the length of the game gives you plenty of time to socialize. The object of the game is to hit a ball into each hole on the golf course in the lowest possible number of strokes. Those participants with leg, foot, or hip problems will want to ride in the golf cart instead of trying to walk to each hole.

Sudoku- Many senior own computers and can choose from a variety of online games. Sudoku is a fun game of logic. There is only one rule to playing Sudoku. Fill in the game board so that the numbers 1-9 occur exactly once in each row, column, and 3x3 box. The numbers can appear in any order and diagonals do not count. Several numbers will already be placed on the game board when you start. Those numbers cannot be changed. Your goal is to fill the empty squares following the rules above. Participants with failing eyesight may need to use a magnifying glass to make the game board easier to read. A Sudoku game board can be downloaded at www.websudoku.com.

Don't worry about which game you play. Giving seniors a chance to socialize and be a part of things is what really makes them happy.

Sources:
www.howtodothings.com/family-and-relationships/a2885-how-to-plan-party-games-and-activities-for-senior-citizens.html
www.websudoku.com

.