12 Great Games for Seniors

With so many available games, and so many personal favorites, you might struggle to find one that appeals to everyone. With that in mind, we put together this list of 12 great games for seniors. You can enjoy playing these with large groups or with just 2 people during a Papa Pal companionship visit.

Games for seniors should meet this criteria:

If you work as a Papa Pal companion caregiver and want to play games during a companionship visit, think about taking several games with you. It's always great to have a couple of options on-hand.

For starters, these games are just plain fun. Each offers something different. And when game night begins, you'll be surprised by the savvy skills and hidden talents they bring out in your fellow players.

Scrabble is a classic word game for seniors, and for good reason. Not only does Scrabble boost your vocabulary, it also strengthens your math skills. People can play Scrabble for hours on end, so it’s a popular option over the holidays and quiet times when there's no rush. (Pro Tip: have to have a Scrabble dictionary handy to resolve spelling disputes.)

People the world over love backgammon. This game helps build problem-solving skills while testing your luck. Plus, it has fewer moves and rules than chess, making it easier to learn. Backgammon is popular across all generations, so chances are there’s someone in your group who can give you a master class. (If you want a fun online version, try Backgammon Online.)

The concept? Don’t explode. And, don’t be surprised when you find yourself plotting against fellow players. While there’s a lot to love about Exploding Kittens, don’t take it too seriously. It’s a game of luck, some skills, and lots of laughs. Simply playing will make you smile.

Roulette has a lot going for it when played at home. Because it’s a game of chance, there’s less strategy to learn. This fact alone makes it a great game for all generations to play together. It’s also an easy games for seniors, so you won’t spend hours studying or teaching the rules. And when it comes to setting the stakes, why not play for candy or treats?

This classic two-player game requires an element of skill, a large portion of luck, and a permanent poker face. Battleship is a great indoor game that moves relatively quickly. 

Ultimately, the Jenga tower is going to come crashing down... Just don’t let it happen on your watch. This game offers a quick lesson in the meaning of “structural integrity” and teaches lessons about patience and remaining calm under pressure. Jenga is one of the best games for elderly to play alone and an excellent choice for practicing motor skills. If you have a Jenga pro in your group, be sure to enlist their advice for tricky moves.

UNO is one of the most popular card games for seniors. It's portable, inexpensive and has stood the test of time. With a deck of 108 cards, it offers unlimited potential for fast-paced fun. Another key point about UNO is that even young kids can play alongside adults and seniors, so there’s no reason for anyone to miss out.

Who doesn’t love a good story? That’s the core of Obstacles, a game that encourages imagination and creativity. The goal of Obstacles is simple: use a random selection of illustrated cards to explain how you could travel around an obstacle, like an erupting volcano. Depending on which cards you draw, you might have to plot your journey with a trumpet, plate of cookies, trampoline, vacuum cleaner, and a camel. Either way, this is one of most fun games for seniors and storytellers are guaranteed lots of laughs.

Another classic, KerPlunk is part chance, part skill, and part good timing. This game for 2 to 4 players has been around since the 1960s, so don’t be surprised if there’s a senior in your group who is a master of KerPlunk strategy. In addition to being a great game for small groups, it also offers the chance to practice hand-eye coordination.

With a team component, Sorry! is one of the world’s most popular family games. Along with a dash of excitement, it helps players hone their counting skills. There’s also a more advanced set of rules for experienced players, so you can tweak the game depending on the make-up of your group.

Who doesn’t love the popping sound of Trouble? Thanks to its fast pace, Trouble is a great game for seniors to play when very young kids join the group. While there’s counting involved, it’s easy to learn and the playing time flies by.

When you hear “trivia game,” do you instantly think of Trivial Pursuit? If the answer is yes, you’re not alone. What began in the 1980s as a trivia board game has since grown into an international phenomenon. There are several versions, including specialized editions for Harry Potter, Star Wars, and horror movie fans. Whichever version you choose, check to make sure that your players love that genreas well. If you’re not sure, a great choice is the 40th Anniversary Ruby Edition that includes 1,200 "Remember When?" questions from 1979 to 2018. No matter which one you choose, Trivial Pursuit is one of the best memory games for seniors.

As soon as you’ve chosen a couple of games, consider where you can buy low-cost versions. Check thrift stores like Goodwill, as well as garage sales and moving sales, for deals. You might even find games that are still in their packaging.

Lastly, a deck of cards can come in handy to play games like Go Fish, Rummy, War and even Poker have the benefit of being both inexpensive and portable. You can take these great card games for seniors anywhere and play on-the-fly when you have a window of free time.

It's game time! You’ve picked your game, now you’re ready to play one of these great board games for seniors and people of all ages. It's time to settle in for a fun time creating new memories together.

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