Playing board games in older age can be especially important, as numerous studies have shown that it plays a significant role in keeping the mind sharp and maintaining cognitive abilities. Regular playing of board games contributes to improvements in brain function and may reduce the risk of dementia in older age. Board games not only strengthen memory and problem-solving skills but also improve social interactions, thereby reducing the feeling of loneliness among older adults. Additionally, board games provide an entertaining and communal activity that helps older people actively engage in a social environment, thus supporting emotional well-being and a positive outlook on life.

Board Games for the Elderly: A Guide

Of course, the role of grandparents is also very important, but this time we won't focus on that. We would like to recommend board games that, according to experience, are often enjoyed by the older generation, so it might be worth trying them out in your own families. And don't forget, this isn't just about your older parents or grandparents; it's also about you, because playing these games can bring a whole new quality to your relationships.

Here are five popular board games that are particularly recommended for older players:

• Ticket to Ride: An easy-to-learn yet thought-provoking strategy game where players build railway routes. Ideal for 2-5 players, it takes about 30-60 minutes to play. Its simple gameplay and pleasant pace make it a great choice for older players.

• Carcassonne: A domino-like board game in which players create landscapes using tiles, while scoring points with fields, cities, and road elements placed on the game area. Designed for 2-5 players, the game time is around 35-45 minutes. Carcassonne is perfect for those who enjoy easy-to-understand yet strategic games.

• Codenames: This word association game is excellent for family and friends gatherings. It can be played by 2-8 players and lasts about 15-20 minutes. Codenames helps develop communication skills and concentration.

• Azul: A beautifully designed tile-placement game suitable for 2-4 players, lasting about 30-45 minutes. With its simple rules and strategic depth, Azul is an excellent choice for the older age group.

• Dixit: A creative and imaginative card game where players tell stories based on their picture cards. Suitable for 3-6 players, the game time is around 30 minutes. Dixit is not only entertaining but also stimulates creative thinking and imagination.

These games are not only fun but also help maintain cognitive abilities and offer great opportunities for building intergenerational relationships.

Personal Experiences with Board Gaming in the Family

A few years ago, I also started buying board games for my mother (now 63 years old), and I'm very proud of her because she plays a lot nowadays. She plays with her own mother (who is 82 years old), with her partner (also 63 years old), with me and my wife, and with her grandchild as well. Today, they have quite a collection on their shelf: Axio Rota, Azul, Kwatro, Punto, Qwirkle, Rummikub, Tantrix, Word Bits, Word Winder. There are also games from my collection that we've played together and they now own: Abszolút megvadult betűk (Hungarian roll and write board game), Kiwi. I think this is a pretty impressive list.

In our case, the involvement started with Qwirkle; we played it a lot, and several members of our family received it as a gift from my mother. The next success was Kwatro, and now, for over a year, Rummikub has been the game that trumps everything else. Let's take a closer look at these three games:

• Qwirkle: This game is a favorite for its simple yet engaging gameplay. Players match tiles with different shapes and colors to score points, focusing on creating lines and sets. It's a great game for 2-4 players and usually takes about 45 minutes to play. Qwirkle's easy-to-understand rules and strategic play make it a hit among the older generation.

• Kwatro: A fast-paced card game that challenges players' speed and observation skills. The objective is to find the matching symbols on the cards. It's perfect for 2-6 players and provides a quick and exciting gaming experience, with each round typically lasting about 15 minutes. Kwatro's simplicity and speed are particularly appealing to older players who enjoy a quick and engaging game.

• Rummikub: A classic tile-based game that combines elements of rummy and mahjong. Players create sets and runs of numbers, trying to be the first to play all their tiles. Suitable for 2-4 players, a game of Rummikub can last anywhere from 20 to 40 minutes. Its mix of strategy and luck, along with easy-to-grasp rules, make Rummikub a longstanding favorite among older players.

Of course, any other list can work too; these are just the games I have had good experiences with. The important thing to remember is that board games are not just for children or young adults; they're for all of us. So, if there's an older person in your family who you think would enjoy board gaming, then find a suitable game and go for it, game on!