Popular Games For Seniors

If you are searching for “games for seniors” or “physical games for seniors”, this article will detail three of the best activities for today’s active seniors!

Fun Games For Seniors

With a plethora of activities offered at assisted and independent living facilities, it may be difficult to pinpoint which game you like best. We have compiled a list of three games that seniors love, including:

1. Bocce Ball
2. Line Dancing
3. Shuffleboard

Bocce Ball

Bocce ball’s history goes even further than that of shuffleboard! Dating as far back as 5200 B.C., English scientist, Sir Francis Petrial, discovered a painting of two children playing bocce ball in an ancient Egyptian tomb. The sport traveled all the way to Greece by 600 B.C. and eventually took center stage at the first Bocce Olympiad held in Athens in 1896. Bocce ball didn’t become popular in the U.S. until the 1980’s, but now it is enjoyed by all age groups, especially seniors all over the country.

Rules

• Eight balls, plus a pallino (smallest ball), can be shared by 2, 4, 6 or 8 players on same court.
• A random player starts by throwing the pallino and the first bocce ball onto the court.
• This player is now deemed “inside” due to being the closest player to the pallino.
• All players now throw their ball.
• Closest player to the pallino is awarded one point.
• Every one of the leader’s balls that are closer to the pallino than opponent’s balls earns another point.
• Frame is over after all players have tossed their balls.
• 13 points are awarded to the winner.

Health Benefits

• Stress relief.
• Mental stimulation.
• Improves flexibility.

Line Dancing

Experts suggest everyone, including seniors, should get at least 30 minutes of daily aerobic exercise. So why not hit this goal while doing something fun? Consider participating in line dancing classes. Line dancing is great for the heart, involves constant exercise and will keep you in shape. If you are new to the dance world, don’t worry as line dancing is perfect for beginners.

Rules

• Follow your dance instructor’s lead and have fun!

Health Benefits

• Improves stamina, posture and balance.
• Lowers stress.
• Lowers risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and osteoporosis.

Shuffleboard

The origins of this sport go all the way back to the 15th century. Shuffleboard was actually first popularized in English pubs. While the game has constantly changed throughout the years, the rules have generally remained the same. For seniors, this is a great outdoor activity, which puts an emphasis on socializing. Outdoor and indoor versions of this game can vary, but the objectives do not change. Shuffleboard requires more strategy than strength, so it’s a great game to keep your mind sharp!

Rules

• Each player slides their four weights across the opponent’s board, alternating turns.
• Try to slide your weights into the highest available scoring area.
• You can knock off opponent’s weights or use them to protect your score.
• A player wins when reaching a score of 15 first.
• Some tournaments can make 21 the winning score.

Health Benefits

• Reduces stress.
• Increases heart rate.
• Workout for several muscle groups.
• Constant mental stimulation.