20 Board Games for Seniors

Board games have come a long way since Sorry! and Monopoly. Thousands of new games are released every year, so there’s something for everyone regardless of age, skill or preference, including many board games for seniors.

The Benefits of Board Games for Seniors

Many people play board games simply because they’re fun. However, seniors may gain other benefits.

Board games can help you stay mentally sharp. When you play games, you have to use planning and memory skills. According to Texas A&M, games, along with puzzles and reading, can slow cognitive decline in the elderly.
Board games can help you stay social. Board games are a great excuse to meet other people. Hosting or attending a regular board game night is a great way to avoid becoming socially isolated.

Where Can Seniors Play Board Games?

There are plenty of board game enthusiasts out there, so finding people to play with shouldn’t be difficult.

Senior centers. You may be able to find a board game group at your senior center.
Libraries. Libraries often host board game events for people of all ages.
Game stores. Some game stores have tables where people can play. Also look for a bulletin board where people can post messages looking for players.
Facebook or Meetup. Many people form board game groups on Facebook or Meetup.
Coffee shops. Some coffee shops provide board games and may host board game events.

If you can’t find a board game group near you, consider starting your own! Find a place where you can meet, such as a coffee shop or library, and invite other people to play.

What Do Seniors Need to Play Board Games?

To play board games, you really just need the game itself and some people to play with. If the game has a solo mode, you don’t even need other players. However, to make the experience as enjoyable as possible, you may want a few other things.

Reading glasses or a magnifying glass. Some board games have cards or instructions with tiny print, so you may need something to help you see clearly. A pocket magnifier with a built-in light could come in handy.
A board game mat. A neoprene tabletop mat can protect your table while also making it easier to pick up cards and other game pieces.
An automatic card shuffler. If you’re playing a lot of card games, a card shuffler makes things easier.
Small containers for pieces. Some board games have a lot of pieces, so little containers come in handy.

Types of Board Games

There are many different types of board games. Games that do not actually use a board, such as many card games, are also commonly grouped together under the “board game” banner.

Games are often classified based on the “weight” or level of complexity. A lightweight game is simple and easy to learn. A heavyweight game is highly complex and may take a long time to learn and play. A mediumweight game lies somewhere in the middle, providing a challenge without being overly complex.

The following terms can be useful to know:

Engine builder. In an engine builder game, players develop an “engine” by selecting components that complement each other. These games require long-term strategy. In deck builder games, this is done by selecting cards to form a personal deck. In a tableau builder game, it’s done by building a tableau of cards or other pieces.
Resource management. In a resource management game, players need to manage game resources in order to achieve goals.
Worker placement. In a worker placement game, players place tokens (often shaped as people and called meeples) in various parts of a board in order to gain specific benefits.
Tile placement. In tile placement or tile laying games, players place tiles to build out a board or tableau.
Drafting. In drafting games, players select items from a pool of resources. Examples include tile-drafting and dice-drafting.
Auction. In auction games, players place bids in order to win certain resources.
Cooperative. In cooperative games, players work together. Some games are semi-cooperative, and a single player may play against everyone else, or individual players may have secret goals.
Party. Party games don’t actually share a specific game mechanic, but they are grouped together because are easy to learn, highly social and suitable for large groups. Word games and guessing games are common.