While living at our retirement community in Nanaimo, you will want to ensure that you are staying active in all aspects such as physically, socially, and mentally. While it may seem easier to stay physically and socially active by using the on-site amenities, having a good conversation with other residents, and even participating in organized recreational activities, you might be getting stuck on what you can do to stay mentally active. 

One of the easiest and perhaps the most accessible ways to stay mentally active is through playing various brain games. It’s important to note that they are called “brain games” solely because there are studies that prove how these games have positively affected seniors’ health in areas such as memory, reasoning, and processing speed. By playing these brain games, you can also meet your needs for maintaining your social needs and avoid feelings of loneliness. 

Here are the best 3 brain games seniors can play at an Nanaimo retirement community

Crossword Puzzles

One of the most convenient brain games you can play would actually be considered an activity known as crossword puzzles. They are so convenient due to the ease of accessing them in so many different places (Nanaimo retirement communities included). You can find them in books you can purchase at a dollar store or grocery store, in the daily newspapers, and even on free online websites. It’s a good idea to try your hand at the crossword puzzle first to see how many you can solve yourself before you get help from other residents. Another variation to this would be word searches if you are in the mood to switch things up a bit.

Chess

If you have prior experience playing chess, or simply just want to learn how this brain game works, this strategy game will surely keep you mentally active. Although this may seem like a complex game, you will see how beneficial it is for strengthening problem solving and reasoning skills once you get the hang of things. There is a good chance that Lakeside Gardens has a chess board on site where all the other board games are located, but in case you don’t want to go looking for one or wait for it to be free to use, you can play chess online for free on many online sites. 

Bingo

Another fun and social game you can play that is offered at many seniors communities in Nanaimo is bingo. This brain game is known for encouraging social interaction and keeping your memory sharp. Bingo is considered to be more fun when played with a bigger group of people as it creates a sense of friendly urgency to look through your bingo card quicker than those sitting around you. By playing memory games like this, seniors can also combat memory loss diseases such as Alzheimer’s. 

If you’re looking for a seniors retirement community in Nanaimo that offers a variety of recreational activities, Lakeside Gardens is here for you. Feel free to contact us to inquire if we offer assisted living services at this VRS location. Call 250.756.0799 or click here to book a tour at Lakeside Gardens’ warm and friendly independent seniors community