Retire Early
Lifestyle
Retirement; like your parents, but way cooler
In 1991 Billy and Akaisha Kaderli retired at the age
of 38. Now, into their 4th decade of this
financially independent lifestyle, they invite you
to take advantage of their wisdom and experience. |
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The Health
Benefits of Playing Board Games in Retirement
Jennifer Backstrum
As we age, finding activities that keep us
engaged and healthy becomes super important. Playing board games is an excellent
way for seniors to keep their minds sharp, reduce stress, and make new friends.
At Retire Early Lifestyle, we believe in embracing activities that enrich our
lives. Board games offer loads of benefits that contribute to a fulfilling and
healthy retirement.
Reducing Stress
Retirement should be a time to chill and
enjoy life, but sometimes it brings new stressors. I remember my dad, who
retired last year, felt pretty restless initially. Then he started joining our
weekly game nights. Board games provide a perfect escape from daily worries. The
simple act of focusing on a game can quickly divert attention away from
stressors, promoting a sense of calm and relaxation. Games that involve humor or
light-hearted competition, like Pictionary or Apples to Apples, can easily lift
spirits and reduce feelings of anxiety. Laughter and enjoyment are natural
stress relievers, and playing games with friends or family can often create many
moments of joy.
Boosting Cognitive Function
Board games are more than just fun; they're
like a workout for the brain. Games that involve strategy, memory, and critical
thinking help keep the mind active. Chess, for example, is a classic game that
challenges players to think several moves ahead, really enhancing
problem-solving skills. Scrabble promotes vocabulary and spelling, while Sudoku
puzzles significantly boost logic and pattern recognition. Card games like
Bridge and HeartsGame
require strategic thinking and memory, keeping cognitive functions sharp and
agile. Regularly engaging in these activities keeps the brain sharp and can help
prevent conditions like dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Enhancing Social Interaction
One of the greatest challenges in
retirement is staying socially active. My neighbor, Mrs. Thompson, found herself
feeling quite lonely until she joined a local board game club. Now, she has a
whole new circle of friends. Board games offer a wonderful opportunity to
connect with others. Whether playing with family, friends, or new acquaintances,
games bring people together. Card games like Bridge are particularly social,
often played in groups and requiring communication and teamwork. Board games
like Monopoly and Settlers of Catan involve multiple players and consistently
encourage interaction. Regular social interaction is crucial for mental and
emotional well-being, helping to combat feelings of loneliness and isolation.
Strengthening Relationships
Playing board games can also strengthen
relationships. Sharing a game with loved ones creates memories and fosters
bonds. It provides a platform for conversations and interactions that might not
happen otherwise. For grandparents, playing games with grandchildren can be
particularly rewarding. My own kids love playing Candy Land with their grandma.
Games like Candy Land or Chutes and Ladders are simple enough for young
children, allowing for quality time spent together. It bridges generational gaps
and allows for the exchange of stories, laughter, and love.
Encouraging Lifelong Learning
Retirement is a great time to learn new
things, and board games can be a fun way to acquire new skills. Learning the
rules of a new game or developing strategies to win encourages continuous
learning. This keeps the mind flexible and open to new experiences. Games like
Trivial Pursuit introduce historical themes and facts, making learning a natural
part of the daily routine. Card games like Rummy and Canasta require strategic
thinking and planning, significantly enhancing cognitive abilities.
Promoting Physical Health
While board games primarily benefit mental
health, they can also contribute to physical well-being. Games that involve
movement, such as charades or Twister, encourage physical activity. Even games
that require sitting can promote better posture and hand-eye coordination.
Additionally, the positive emotions and reduced stress from playing games can
significantly lead to better overall physical health, as mental well-being is
closely linked to physical health.
Providing a Sense of
Accomplishment
Winning a game or even mastering its rules
can provide a great sense of accomplishment. This boost in self-esteem and
confidence is important. For retirees, who might sometimes struggle with a sense
of purpose, achieving goals within a game can be very rewarding. It provides a
sense of achievement and progress, which is crucial for maintaining a positive
outlook on life.
Easy Accessibility
Board games are accessible to everyone.
They come in various forms, catering to different interests and abilities.
Whether someone prefers a complex strategy game like Risk or a simple game of
chance like Bingo, there is always something for everyone. This inclusivity
makes board games a perfect activity for seniors, ensuring that everyone can
find something they enjoy and can participate in.
Conclusion
At Retire Early Lifestyle, we advocate for
activities that bring joy, health, and connection. Board games are a wonderful
way to achieve all three. They stimulate the mind, reduce stress, and foster
social bonds, making them an ideal pastime for retirees. Embrace the world of
board games and experience the many benefits they offer for a healthier, happier
retirement.
About the Authors
Retire
Early Lifestyle appeals to a different
kind of person – the person who prizes their
independence, values their time, and who doesn’t
want to mindlessly follow the crowd.
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