Let the Parlor Games Begin: Seniors are playing to stay sharp, creative and productive

Small talk can be boring. The weather can be boring when we are stuck inside (like we were this winter). Some books and movies are boring. Staring at the walls is boring. Some phone conversations are boring. And looking at FB multiple times a day is super boring.

Enter parlor games, some old school in different iterations, and some new ones, which have grabbed the attention of seniors everywhere and are more popular than Bad Bunny.

There’s a good reason why we like games. Somewhere in our young adulthood, we put aside our card and board games. We were too busy working, raising kids, going to lectures and concerts or doing mundane tasks—grocery shopping, cooking, laundry, helping with homework, organizing birthday or dinner parties.

Maybe, we found our games of choice were outdoor pursuits such as a round of golf, tennis or running 5Ks or marathons; maybe we took up knitting, crocheting or needlepoint; maybe it was singing; or we joined a book club or a second book club if we already were in one and loved reading and critiquing books.

Then, in our older years, many found they couldn’t pursue favorite sports for this or that health reason and switched to pickleball, which seemed gentler, only to discover that orthopedists have reported many in our age bracket experiencing lots of injuries. So much for that.

At the same time, we began to worry more about our memories as some words and people’s names came to us more slowly, or we forgot them completely. Gaming, like brain teasers we read, was good for our memories. Then we noticed many of our peers were having fun participating in a variety of games. Some did it with a group of ladies or men in mixed company. Some heard that their grown kids were taking up games in the evening or on weekends as a chance to have some adult time, good conversation and enjoy a party atmosphere. Why not us as well?

Games are intoxicating; they help us reconnect with our playful side, whether a solitary game like Wordle, Scrabble or a crossword puzzle, or in a group competing for the title of Uno champ. There are more advantages. Games help us stay sharp, socially engaged and competitive. The stakes can be low, but the drama high, where lifelong friendships can be forged or fractured over the drawing of a single card (“you looked”).

Don’t know how to play some of the most popular games: Versions of Scrabble, Clue, Canasta, Mahjong, Poker-style word games, brain teasers such as online Wordle and crossword puzzles, Canasta, Mahjong, Scrabble, Monopoly, Left Right Center, Uno, Bridge, and others? There are courses for the taking …some free and some expensive, some one-on-one and some in groups. If you want to focus on words, go back to Scrabble or similar games that can be fun, short and light. You can learn new ones online or relearn ones you’ve forgotten or take a course at your local Y or senior center. And when you get together to play, many love the party atmosphere. Also, bring on the snacks! Yay.

Besides the banter, nibbles, wine or beer, they represent a way to fill our time. And we’ve learned about other advantages:

·       We may connect regularly with new and old adult friends. It became a way to stay in touch, expand our circle and avoid isolation. But games can also ramp up our compassion quotient and make us more patient if those playing with us have a tough time learning and remembering rules; we can help them along, and vice versa.

·       We might soften our competitive edge. For those who like to win, new games can show them joy in just playing and learning rather than having to be the best, best, best! This personality trait may take time to alter.

·       We can rev up our dying brain cells. We know that several types of games keep brain cells percolating. They make us think about strategy, how to pay attention and sharpen our cognitive skills. They may even lessen anxiety and release endorphins to boost our mood, as exercise is said to do. For example, you must decide which tile to choose in Mahjong; which word to incorporate the 10-point Q and Z letters in Scrabble; which cards to hold or play in bridge. Of late, many of our friends are taking up Canasta like their grandmothers did because it involves both planning and fun. Don’t think playing Canasta will age you fast. Some favor Mexican Train since it’s said to be easy to learn and play, involves some simple strategizing, some luck and lasts a shorter time than others. It’s good for those with short attention spans.

The card game Uno, which many of our grandkids play, is having its heyday for our older set. It’s said to be popular because of the race to get rid of cards. For those who didn’t have enough Monopoly when young, there are many new variations and new fancier sets. It’s a wonderful way to learn how to build real estate portfolios or others with surfing and Hamilton themes. In some cases, this game can go on and on. Another golden oldie game is Clue with newer characters beyond Colonel Mustard such as Dr. Orchid and Miss Peach. And even Checkers can be fun for one-on-one times as Chess can be (another long game) and add Bingo and Chinese checkers into the mix.

·       We can create an almost instant party with a theme. There are a host of new party tabletop games we’ve never heard of, which we read about in an online article from Wirecutter such as Wavelength and Avalon. The article lists the number of players needed, the time usually spent and the age range. Buy one and see. And we also know from some friends about card games that pose questions to a group such as Extreme Personal Questions, which we like as nosey reporters, or TableTopics, which involves great ice-breaker questions tailored to a range of ages.

Some games can be more solitary such as crossword or jigsaw puzzles. Many libraries have a jigsaw puzzle out on a table for anyone to work on whenever they’re there. Many like doing Wordle daily since it’s a quick hit of cognitive skills. Some like it because they post their results on a Facebook page for everyone to congratulate them on their success.

Before you jump in and join others, it’s good to know some basics: 

1.     How hard or easy are the rules to master and remember? Ask friends who play.

2.     Will any money be exchanged or is the game just for fun or silly prizes?

3.     How often is the game held, and do you need to show up weekly, or can you drop in periodically?

4.     What is your responsibility for hosting or bringing snacks and beverages to a community clubroom, building party room or having it in your own home? Or do you contribute money to a kitty and rotate locations?

5.     What’s the time of day in case you don’t drive at night and can’t walk easily to where the game is played?

6.     How inclusive or exclusive is the group? Will you always be partnered with the same people? Can you bring a friend? Or is getting in like joining a sorority or country club?

7.     How about the attire? Are jeans permitted or do you need to get a bit fancy?

8.     Is the group competitive? How serious are they about winning? Do you care to get competitive or are you just looking for a fun afternoon or evening?

We suggest trying a few rounds of a game that appeals to see if you like it. If not, move on to the next option. There are so many available today. And keep in mind when you’re choosing or playing, this is only a game.