Games

6 Whiteboard Games for the Elderly

Whiteboards are an indispensable tool for Activity Coordinators and can be used for group activities, communication and learning!

13 Comments Articles Games Word Games 4886 0  

Easter Bingo for Senior Care

A beautiful Easter themed Bingo Game to enjoy! Download, print & laminate.

18 Comments Games Easter 4359 1  

Easter Bingo for Dementia Care

This is a modified version of Bingo that uses images instead of numbers. It's also been simplified so it can be used with people with early onset dementia.

Games Easter 935 2  

Competitive Tabletop Badminton Balloon Bowling (it makes sense, I promise)

The object of the game is for each team to try and knock the opposite team's pins down by hitting the balloon at them with their rackets.

2 Comments Member Share Games Exercise 1030 3  

Charades Game for the Elderly

Charades is a game suitable for all ages! It involves acting out words or phrases printed on cards. A game of charades provides a wonderful two-way communication opportunity that can strengthen interpersonal skills. It is also a great work-out for the brain!

9 Comments Games 2472 4  

Cover the Number - Dice Game

Here is an easy, fun dice game to play with residents - template provided.

3 Comments Member Share Games For Men 839 5  

Dice Games for the Elderly

Dice games are fun and versatile! They provide social opportunities and stimulate the senses. There are hundreds of easy and entertaining dice games that can be enjoyed.

4 Comments Member Share Games Articles 2311 6  

Penny Toss

Draw circles all over a bulletin board paper. Put 1 prize in the center of each circle.

3 Comments Member Share Games 779 7  

Name the Kitchen Appliances

Print the words and image pages, laminate and cut, then match the words with the image.

2 Comments Dementia Games 1371 8  

Balloons and Bubbles

This suits all levels of dementia and ability. One lady can only smile. And she grinned from ear to ear when a balloon came her way.

6 Comments Member Share Sensory Games 1078 9  

What’s New in Board Games for Seniors

Many seniors enjoy playing board games and your residents probably have their favorites. Make sure they are available for them to play and keep your eye out for new games that are released each year!

8 Comments Member Share Articles Games 1905 10  

Active Monopoly

Active Monopoly is almost the same as normal Monopoly (the same rules apply), except that instead of a board and counters/pieces you use the floor and the players walk around the 'board'.

3 Comments Member Share Games Exercise 704 11  

Sports Afternoon

We decided to try a very gentle afternoon of sports. We had 10 playing, it took an hour and we had great fun. Will definitely repeat.

3 Comments Member Share Exercise Games 1146 12  

Playing Cards: All-Inclusive Games for Seniors

Playing card games is a social, entertaining and enjoyable pastime. Card games are among the most popular indoor games for adults.

3 Comments Member Share Games Articles 2313 13  

Matching Activity - Name the Vehicle

This is a Montessori based activity where images are matched with the words that describe them. The theme for this activity is: Vehicles.

1 Comment Dementia Games For Men 2239 14  

Name the Fairytale Movies

Dementia Games 11 15  

Games Around The Room

Place several different board games and other table top games around tables in a room. Activities could include Jenga, Snakes and Ladders, Guess Who, Cards, Ludo, Dominoes.

2 Comments Member Share Games 1187 16  

Guess the Celebrity Ages

We decided to create a guessing game for our residents and adapted it so that it could be used with a wide range of abilities. It was a really fun and easy to make activity, you can add celebrities that are well known in your area!

11 Comments Member Share Dementia Reminiscing Games 2635 17  

BIG Memory Cards

I simply print off the pictures I want, together with a "Question Mark" for the reverse side, and slip them into the empty DVD covers.

7 Comments Member Share Dementia Games 1599 18  

Indoor putting weekly league

Golf is recognised as a good activity for promoting mental, physical and social wellbeing. Putting is a relaxing and ideal indoor activity that can be done by people with previous golfing skills and those who have never played before.

6 Comments Member Share Exercise Games 714 19  

Quicktionary

This is a game I purchased but I think it can be adapted and created by hand. The object is to be the first to shout out a word that meets all three conditions.

3 Comments Member Share Games 1564 20  

Giant Scrabble

Played like normal scrabble but on a larger scale. We drew a large scrabble board on the whiteboard and stuck magnets to the back of the tiles, this meant clients needed to stand up and move around while playing the game.

3 Comments Member Share Games 975 21  

Famous Faces

Download various faces of famous people, present and past. Show the residents the face and have them guess the famous face. We also have a little discussion on each person.

1 Comment Member Share Reminiscing Games 1494 22  

Suburb & Neighbourhood Picture Match

Hi all I've made this activity a few times for our residents and they enjoy it greatly. I print pictures that make up a name of a suburb or neighbourhood for example Rose Park, I print a picture of a Rose then another of a Park and place them side by side.

2 Comments Member Share Games 563 23  

Balloon tennis

This activity is an easy, social, gross motor game, suitable for differing levels of cognitive and physical disability. Lots of fun and laughs too. Definitely a staple gross motor favourite.

13 Comments Member Share Games 996 24  

'A' My Name Is...

The object of this game is by using the alphabet, each participant tries to think of a corresponding name (male and female), place, and thing. This game always provides everyone with a lot of laughter and the staff really gets into too!

3 Comments Member Share Games 1883 25  

Peanut Auction

This is the most popular activity that we do and our Residents absolutely love it. It's a lot of fun with lots of laughs for not much money! The residents go crazy! Oh my....they are so competitive.

6 Comments Member Share Games 1430 26  

Would you, Could you, Have you?

Each resident picks a slip from an envelop or basket and answers the questions: would you, could you, have you? Then open the question to the room. Often this provides real insight into each residents character.

1 Comment Member Share Games 1800 27  

Book Fruit Salad

A fun group activity for seniors! Write down famous lines from well-known books and then hand out to residents and get them to read their line. Wait for the laughs!

2 Comments Member Share Games 958 28  

Match Ups

After watching a Montessori video I decided to make my own resources. As dementia clients retain the ability to read for a long time I use words to match with pictures.

18 Comments Member Share Dementia Games For Men 4529 29  

Jailhouse Trivia

Nominate three residents to go to jail (make up a silly story: You are hereby arrested for the crime of talking during an activity and are being sent to jail.)

2 Comments Member Share Trivia Games 1125 30  

Motown Jeopardy

Utilize the supplied template for Motown artists and songs.

5 Comments Member Share Games 618 31  

Hats & Headgear Game

This is a fun game and reminiscing activity for seniors!

5 Comments Games Reminiscing 2218 32  

Dice Game

Here's a fun and simple dice game to try. Thanks Gaylene!

2 Comments Member Share Games 1806 33  

Charades #2

I have a growing list of words & phrases that i print in large font, then laminate.I also put the 'category' on the card, to make it easier if they choose to reveal, such as 'Elvis Presley' (famous person), 'cat got your tongue' (saying), 'opening an umbrella' (action), 'hula hoop' (object).

2 Comments Member Share Games 1223 34  

Giant Snakes and Ladders for any size group

Giant Snakes and Ladders for any size group. A fun activity for seniors.

7 Comments Member Share Games 1112 35  

Round Robin Stories

First pick a topic, for instance, a wedding. Write down the story as you go along and lightly edit it connecting the characters so that it all comes together in the end. Print and distribute to residents who are very proud. This is a lovely activity for seniors!

6 Comments Member Share Games 1011 36  

Finish the Sayings and Proverbs Game

This fun and simple game is great for seniors including people living with dementia. Includes well known sayings, idioms and proverbs that they will remember from their past.

22 Comments Word Games Games Dementia 7684 37  

Colour Trivia

Aim: To stimulate cognitive function and refresh memory through a friendly trivia game suitable for all levels.

3 Comments Member Share Games 2412 38  

Games for People Living with Dementia

Adapting and modifying games for seniors is necessary for all sorts of different reasons. As well as for those living with dementia, games need to be modified for those who use wheelchairs and those with impaired vision or sensory loss.

14 Comments Dementia Games Articles 10727 39  

Charades Game

This is an adaptable game to be played by two teams. It is recommended to make cards in two or three different levels: easy, medium and if the game proves popular make an even more challenging set of cards!

7 Comments Dementia Games 2682 40  

Zeroes In Quiz

Read group of words and figure out the item described. This is a fun group game to play with seniors in nursing homes. A great trigger for reminiscing.

3 Comments Member Share Quiz Games 2733 41  

Memory Tray

A simple idea where a group of random objects are displayed on a tray for a limited period of time and then the clients try and recall what the items were.

6 Comments Member Share Games Dementia General Activities - June 3019 42  

Open Sesame

Game for seniors..They need to match the key with the lock...You can provide all keys or padlocks on a tray at one time, and they each get an allotted time to try to unlock the padlocks in a designated amount of time.

2 Comments Member Share Games 608 43  

What's In the Bag

Chose a colorful bag, something that catches the eye, silk, or any other fabric that feels good to the touch. You don't want to be able to see through the bag. Find random objects, such as kitchen utensils, keys, padlock. Ideal reminiscing game for seniors.

9 Comments Member Share Games General Activities - May 1699 44  

The Envelope Game

What I personally love about this game, is that everyone knows about money, they love looking at it and counting it.

8 Comments Member Share Games 1796 45  

Recycled Paint Swatches Game

Our experience with this is is it is a no fail filler, and they love the colors and their funky names. This is a great game for the elderly in nursing homes.

7 Comments Member Share Games 1443 46  

Balloon Tennis

Hi all, after reading your article about noodle soccer I went to the local cheap store and had to improvise as there was no noodles.

6 Comments Member Share Games 736 47  

Noodle Soccer

Indoor soccer with a beach ball and pool noodles!

12 Comments Member Share Games 1940 48  

Chinese Zodiac Memory Game

An easy matching game with 24 Chinese zodiac animal cards. A great game to challenge memory skills and improve concentration.

4 Comments China Games Chinese New Year 2106 49  

Name Bingo

We played Name Bingo last week & it was very popular.

6 Comments Member Share Games 2077 50  

Chopsticks

You can buy some chop sticks in a cheap shop and let your residents try to use them to pick up different things.

2 Comments Member Share Games Chinese New Year 971 51  

Playing Bingo: History, Rules & Bingo Calls

Bingo has an incredible following and is played enthusiastically across many countries. Bingo terminology is witty, cheeky, and entertaining!

6 Comments Games Articles 2137 52  

Trivial Pursuit Game

More fun games for seniors! Trivial Pursuit is one of the best-known trivia games in the world. The game stimulates the intellect and provides lots of fun! This is a great game for the elderly.

6 Comments Games 3083 53  

IBingo Free

I thought i would share with you a tool which i have been using for bingo: "IBingo Free". IBingo free is a mobile phone app. that calls bingo.

8 Comments Member Share Games 1446 54  

Family Feud Game

Here is an easy version of the popular Family Feud game!

10 Comments Games Fathers Day (US, Canada & UK) 4379 55  

Scategories

I use this as a large group activity but you can adapt it to small groups.

5 Comments Member Share Games 3894 56  

Wedding Photo Guessing Game

Wedding photo guessing game

7 Comments Member Share Reminiscing Games 1879 57  

Jigsaws

Make use of old calenders, pick nice clear pictures, photo copy them first and then laminate.

1 Comment Member Share Games 565 58  

Ping Pong Eggs

Lots of fun, good for hand eye co ordination and competition. Residents love this game and they get a nice prize at the end.

5 Comments Member Share Games 1634 59  

Tin ball

3 large fruit tins screwed onto a piece of wood.

1 Comment Member Share Games 742 60  

Balloons

I created a game where around 8 residents sit in a circle. I throw a balloon in the middle and then we all count how many times we can hit it in the air before it touches the ground.

9 Comments Member Share Games Exercise 1130 61  

DIY Cardholders

Instead of buying cardholders, make your own! We made one for a resident that has left sided weakness. It works a treat :)

1 Comment Games 232 62  

Word Bingo

Bingo is a popular game all over the world. Word Bingo is a fun variation on the traditional game.

11 Comments Games 3479 63  

April Fools Day Laughing Game

This game is fun & good for memory and concentration.

3 Comments Member Share Games April Fool's Day International Joke Day 2748 64  

BIG Sudoku

My idea is to take a regular puzzle (such as Sudoku), that is usually "played" by one person sitting alone at a desk or table, (or computer), and to make it an activity that requires players to stand up, move about, and get physically involved.

2 Comments Member Share Games 371 65  

Card Bingo

We take two decks of cards we use the large print ones.

9 Comments Member Share Games 1075 66  

Table Tennis

Try table tennis with no bats and coloured plastic balls for those with eye sight problems.

2 Comments Member Share Games Olympic Games Commonwealth Games 1517 67  

Left & Right Game

The Day Club loves this, thought I would share.

13 Comments Member Share Games Christmas 3284 68  

Match the Shadows - Mind Fitness

Find the matching shadows in 3 levels of difficulty.

Games General Activities - February 2815 69  

Residents Auction

Once a month I have an Auction for our residents.

6 Comments Member Share Games 757 70  

Spot the Differences Contest

Have some fun having a 'Spot the Differences' contest.

18 Comments Games Spot the Difference Fathers Day (US, Canada & UK) Fathers Day (Australia & NZ) General Activities - August General Activities - September 10378 71  

Arm Chair Travel Group Play and Discussion

A social opportunity for discussion and reminiscing.

8 Comments Member Share Multicultural Games 2142 72  

Balloon Games

Gentle exercise for the arms as well as an opportunity to socialize! Great for game for the elderly. Also suitable for people living with dementia.

47 Comments Exercise Games Dementia Olympic Games Commonwealth Games 11118 73  

Beer Pong Game

This is a fun, table game for 'International Beer Day!' Just make sure that no-one walks near the table because beer is bound to be spilt!

4 Comments Games For Men International Beer Day AFL Grand Final 2961 74  

Bottle Ring Toss

This is a nice game to be played in a sitting position.

Games For Men Ekka - The Queensland Agricultural Show 2268 75  

Stories Out of a Hat

Another way to engage residents and reminisce in a group setting. Thank you for this idea Anjanie!

11 Comments Member Share Reminiscing Games 2981 76  

Find It Group Activity

A fun group activity using enlarged pages from children's books.

10 Comments Member Share Games 3127 77  

Beer & Skittles Games for Father's Day

This game was the forerunner to ten pin bowling and was very popular in England's pubs since the 17th century.

Games For Men Fathers Day (US, Canada & UK) Fathers Day (Australia & NZ) 2681 78  

I Went to Market Game

This is a memory game that requires players to memorise a list of words. It can be played by two people or a group of people.

11 Comments Games Word Games General Activities - June 5122 79  

How to make Bubbles

These are great for outdoor fun. However don't let wet weather stop you from playing indoors!

Games Sensory General Activities - June 2126 80  

Who wants to be a millionaire?

I created this Quiz to be similar to the TV show for our low care residents.

7 Comments Member Share Games 3346 81  

Charades

We have played this a few times and everyone enjoys the game, nice to hear the laughter that some of the acting creates. Thanks to Debbie for this activity!

2 Comments Member Share Games 2827 82  

Picture Matching Bingo

Picture Matching Bingo - Using large flash cards.
Thanks Heather for sending in this activity!

4 Comments Member Share Games 2358 83  

Home town Monopoly

We were reminiscing about games that we played as children or with our children and monopoly came up. Thank you Joanne!

4 Comments Member Share Games 1067 84  

Leapin' Frogs

Make this wonderful games in an craft session and then enjoy for years to come!
Thanks Joanne for this wonderful activity!

8 Comments Member Share Games 1319 85  

Pot Luck

A fun and easy game to play with a group of residents.
Thank you Joanne for this activity!

2 Comments Member Share Games 2919 86  

Koala Keno

Our residents love their Bingo so we have come up with a similar game to offer an alternative.

11 Comments Member Share Games 2725 87  

Playdough Guessing Competition

A funny and engaging game you can play with playdough and a little imagination!
Thanks Christine for this fabulous idea!

5 Comments Member Share Games Sensory 1920 88  

MarPoolBowls

We play a game we call MarPoolBowls and it is one of the most looked forward to activities we have. Thanks Ron for another great activity!

11 Comments Member Share Games For Men Fathers Day (US, Canada & UK) Fathers Day (Australia & NZ) 4377 89  

The Price is Right Game

Reminiscing, engaging in conversation, cognitive exercise

38 Comments Games 18459 90  

Ring Toss

This is a fun game to make in a craft session and loads of fun to play. The hoops can be home-made e.g. paper plates with the middle cut out; thin water hose joined with masking tape; or embroidery hoops.

Games For Men Ekka - The Queensland Agricultural Show Olympic Games Commonwealth Games 1722 91  

Knock Them Down Game

This is a simple game that can be made of empty tins or empty plastic containers. The tins or containers can be decorated in a craft session.

Games For Men Ekka - The Queensland Agricultural Show Olympic Games Commonwealth Games 2312 92  

Scrabble & Dominoes

Here are two fun ways you can involve residents in easy and social games. Thanks Marina for this activity!

10 Comments Member Share Games 1634 93  

Bouncy Ball Game

Here is another fun and easy game residents can enjoy.

Games Olympic Games Commonwealth Games 2583 94  

Jar of Sweets Competition

Guess the number of sweets in the jar to win!

2 Comments Games Olympic Games Commonwealth Games 1441 95  

Basket Ball Game

Basket ball is an easy and fun game you can play anywhere!

Games Olympic Games Commonwealth Games 2325 96  

Go Fish Game

This is a fun and easy game to be played by 2, 3 or 6 players.

Games World Oceans Day 3461 97  

Soda Bottle Skittles

This is an activity that is fun to make with a small group of keen participants. The game can be played with those who are no longer able to do craft.

Games Olympic Games Commonwealth Games 957 98  

Bean bag Toss

This has always been a very popular game at all the facilities where I have worked. If you don't have a sewing machine ask a volunteer or one of your clients' relatives to do it for you.

7 Comments Games For Men Dementia Olympic Games Commonwealth Games 3417 99  

Season Leaves Game

There are many activities with autumn leaves but I can't see why it should be restricted to autumn. Here is an activity for any time of the year

1 Comment Games 2159 100  

Table soccer

This is an ideal game for men to form/strengthen friendships whilst having fun.

3 Comments Games For Men Fathers Day (US, Canada & UK) Fathers Day (Australia & NZ) 7999 101  

Bocce Balls Game

Bocce balls is an ancient game from Italy that is similar to bowling.

5 Comments Games Italy Ferragosto Festival Italian National Day (Festa della Repubblica) Olympic Games Commonwealth Games 2780 102  

Piñata Game

The object of this game is to hit the Piñata until it is torn and the goodies inside spill onto the floor. The Piñata should be torn ideally by the 4th or 5th player.

1 Comment Games Mexico Cinco de Mayo (Mexican celebration) Mexican Independence Day 986 103  

Memory Game

Memory game is simple and fun to play

2 Comments Games 3675 104  

Stealing Bundles Card Game

This is a great game for a "Men's Club"

5 Comments Games For Men Fathers Day (US, Canada & UK) Fathers Day (Australia & NZ) 4848 105  

Dreidel Game

How to make a Driedel and play the Driedel Game!

Germany Games Hanukkah 1712 106  

Recycled Hoy Game

Who doesn't have a deck with missing cards? In my house we have at least half a dozen incomplete decks. Don’t throw them out, use them for Hoy!

18 Comments Games 3399 107  

Eleven Game

This is a variation on the scissors, paper, rocks game that is fun to play in teams.

Games 1392 108  

Coin Tossing Competition

Improve movement and promote well-being with this easy and fun competition!

4 Comments Games For Men Olympic Games Commonwealth Games 3406 109  

Frisbee Throwing Competition

This game has been adapted to indoors to suit people with a limited range of movements.

Games Fathers Day (US, Canada & UK) Fathers Day (Australia & NZ) Olympic Games Commonwealth Games 2322 110  

Potato Peeling Competition

Reminisce about familiar skills and have fun with this potato peeling competition!

Reminiscing Games Olympic Games Commonwealth Games 1054 111  

Wheel of fortune

Wheel of fortune......make a large circle of plywood, paint it a bright colour.

2 Comments Member Share Games 603 112  

Pin the Coconut Game

A fun game you can play with an unfinished coconut tree from your craft session!

1 Comment USA Games 763 113  

Hula Hoop Toss

Cultural awareness opportunity. Promote concentration.

Games 1118 114  

Three of a kind

Promote cognitive alertness. Opportunity for socialization

1 Comment Games Dementia 3942 115  

Board Games Olympic Day Activity

Dedicate a day of fun to the Olympics!

4 Comments Games Olympic Games Commonwealth Games 2542 116  

Carpet Bowls

This is an excellent game for socialization.

2 Comments Exercise Games Olympic Games Commonwealth Games 1727 117  

Bucket Game

Promote friendship and stimulates physically.

9 Comments Exercise Games Dementia Fathers Day (US, Canada & UK) Fathers Day (Australia & NZ) Olympic Games Commonwealth Games 11900 118  

Bean Bag Surprise

Nice game to maintain or improve physical abilities.

Games Exercise Dementia 3324 119