Keeping your brain active

Games to help improve your memory as you age and keep the brain active.

We talk about keeping fit and healthy, by eating nutritious food, hydrating with water, and exercising. Equally important is keeping our mind fit and active, especially as we age. There are some wonderful activities for exercising the brain.

Whilst my 93-year-old mum was recovering from an unexplained episode of memory loss in hospital recently, we decided to start playing some games she loved.

Games are so good for the brain. If you have the time to sit and play games with an ageing parent or friend that is good, however there are also games they can play on their own.

The time you spend with someone is often so appreciated. It helps stimulate them.

Grandkids are great ones to play games with grandparents, or older friends and neighbours.

Examples of games that stimulate the brain.

1.  Sudoku- numbers game

2. Crossword puzzles- I like the easy ones.

3. Find a Word- easier than crosswords.

4. Concentration- a card game my mum loved playing- a good one for whiling away the time.

5. Scrabble- you do need a partner.

6. Backgammon- fun and competitive

7. Jigsaw Puzzles- they even come in 3 D now. awfully hard

8. The visual memory game -Objects on a tray game

9. Yahtzee

10. Draughts