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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.

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. 

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About the Authors

 
Billy and Akaisha Kaderli are recognized retirement experts and internationally published authors on topics of finance, medical tourism and world travel. With the wealth of information they share on their award winning website RetireEarlyLifestyle.com, they have been helping people achieve their own retirement dreams since 1991. They wrote the popular books, The Adventurer’s Guide to Early Retirement and Your Retirement Dream IS Possible available on their website bookstore or on Amazon.com.

contact Billy and Akaisha at theguide@retireearlylifestyle.com

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