Benefits of Playing Card Games with Older Americans
Card games have long been a way to bring all kinds of people together, and they are especially ideal for engaging older Americans. Most card games are easy to play and they do not require a lot of physicality, which allows people of all abilities to play. But card games are more than just something to keep older Americans occupied. They offer distinct benefits, so let us talk about why you should bring a deck of cards the next time you visit an older American.
Promotes Socialization
A lot of older Americans suffer from loneliness and depression as family members move away and friends start dying. They often feel disconnected from society, but a simple game of Gin or Go Fish is not just fun, it is also a great way to build (and maintain) personal relationships. You might not think you have anything to talk about, but get a game of cards going, and you might be surprised by what comes out.
Stress Reduction
Socialization and stress reduction tend to go hand in hand, but reducing stress is so important that it warrants mentioning on its own. Focusing on a game helps older Americans, not only have fun, but live in the moment, which helps them reduce stress. That, in turn, helps everything from lowering blood pressure to improving sleep and immune function.
Improved Memory and Cognition
A lot of older Americans have trouble with reduced cognitive abilities, including memory loss, but card games can help stimulate their brain, and some games are especially good at stimulating memory. So, if you want your older loved one to think a little more clearly (or you just want to prevent their mental faculties from deteriorating), schedule time for regular card games with them.
Enhanced Motor Skills
Although card games are not physically strenuous, they do involve physical dexterity to hold, play, and shuffle cards, which means playing card games can help maintain, and even improve your loved one’s physical dexterity in their hands and fingers. Certain games also require hand-eye coordination and reflexes, which means you should play them with your older loved ones to at least maintain, if not improve, their hand-eye coordination and reflexes, both of which can help prevent accidents in their day-to-day lives.
Improves Immune Function
Many older Americans tend to have reduced immune function, but because playing card games helps reduce stress, it also helps improve immune function, which means your older loved one will be less likely to get sick or injured. If they do get sick or injured, playing card games is not only a great pastime in recovery, but it can also help to speed up the recovery process.
At Stillwater Senior Living, we want to optimize every aspect of our residents’ stay with us, which is why our common areas are always fully stocked with games, including decks of playing cards. If you are interested in learning more about all the ways we work to help our residents live better longer, we are always happy to chat. Reach out now to start a conversation.