Digital games can sharpen the mind

Studies have shown that online gaming and computer actions can be beneficial for all ages, including older adults.

Digital games use principles and concepts often applied in extended learning opportunities. While these games were designed for entertainment and competitive purposes, growing evidence shows they can also improve cognitive skills.

For example, gaming can be a social activity. It can connect you with people who have similar interests and strengthen friendships. Gaming can also keep your mind sharp by improving hand-eye coordination and boosting brain activity. Finally, digital gaming encourages you to learn how to use the latest technology and then keep up with it.

Another nice part about digital games is that they are portable and adaptable. They can be played anywhere on a mobile device, and there are multiple games to choose from with most offering different difficulty levels. Players can start at lower levels and gradually increase the difficulty after achieving success.

Overall, digital gaming could stimulate creativity, focus, and visual memory. That’s in addition to the great friendships that can be made and the technological skills that can be gained.

All of the games in this article can be downloaded and played digitally on a smartphone, tablet, or computer. There are free versions of each, although advertisements may be involved. Visit the Apple Store, Google Play, or Microsoft Store to browse the options and choose something to get started.

Here are some types of digital games that may help retain and build certain skills, such as improving memory, calculation abilities, and more.

	Mahjong This straightforward tile-matching game may help players improve their planning, memory, and calculation skills. Cognitive ability is enhanced, and as the player advances in the game, they can improve their ability to recall and find items.
	Scrabble Scrabble is the perfect game for word lovers or someone who loves a word challenge. This is another game that may help improve memory and increase language skills.
	Chess Chess offers different variations of play. The game can be short or long, easy or challenging. The game requires both sides of the brain to strategize as well as engage in critical thinking and analysis.
	Wordle When a full Scrabble game is too time consuming, try Wordle. In this daily word game owned by The New York Times, the player must guess a five-letter word in as few guesses as possible. There aren’t many clues upfront, so it helps the player exercise specific brain functions, such as visual memory and attention.
	Solitaire Solitaire helps improve mental skills, such as memory, reflexes, and mood. There are over 500 variations from which a player can choose. The goal is to arrange cards in some kind of systematic order or to pair them off to discard them.

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