The answer is simply that they are effective ways in which to keep an active mind and body. As the population gets older it has never been so important, as rates of dementia and mental health problems continue to rise. But whatever age you are, it’s never too late to incorporate fun ways to stay mentally fit and physically active, and you can even do it all online too.
Playing a board game with the family removes age barriers
There’s no doubt that the playing of board games is experiencing something of a renaissance these days. The likes of Monopoly, Cluedo, Game of Life, and Scrabble are still enjoying healthy sales.
Gathering around a board game with family or friends can allow multiple generations to play and interact – which is not always possible in a world full of gadgets and online gaming preferences. In fact, board game cafes are popping up across the country as if to prove that this activity isn’t restricted to just after Christmas dinner.
But that doesn’t mean you have to get up to leave the house or visit friends and family that might live a long distance away. For example, the gaming site Steam has an online board game simulator where you can play with other board game fans or friends around the world.
Walking has health advantages and unique social benefits
Walking has been proven to provide a broad number of health benefits, including weight loss, reducing high blood pressure, mood improvement, helping with balance, preventing heart disease, and strengthening muscles.
The speed, length, and frequency of a walk can dictate how much benefit is gained from it. So long as a good pair of shoes is available there’s no limit to what can be enjoyed. It can either be a walking weekend with friends, heading out with family for the weekend dog walk, or even getting online with apps like Strava or Komoot.
Strava has a number of features that enable walkers and hikers to compare and distances or to join other groups of similarly inclined walkers. Similarly, Komoot is a social app that compares and discusses different walking routes, with both offering ways to socially interact and monitor improvement through walking.
Playing number games like bingo is the new bridge club
Long gone are those crusty bridge nights immortalised by Gloria Swanson in Sunset Boulevard. They have been replaced by number games like Sudoku or Bingo which have long been associated with better mental health and social benefits.
Even if mobility is an issue for people, heading online to sites like the Lucky Pants Bingo slot games, which has an equally broad number of bingo and slots games as Steam has online board games, can actually help both lonely and vulnerable people become part of a social site. But it also stimulates the mind too.
Researchers have long known that games like bingo and puzzle problems like Sudoku have benefits in cognitive perception for people getting older. This can help to combat degenerative diseases like Parkinsons and Alzheimers.
Without a doubt, the classic games are back. No one should underestimate the power of a board game to bring the whole family together (ensuing arguments are optional though). However, games offer just one way to help increase social interaction and mental stimulation. The same effects can also be had with online and physical bingo games.
For actual physical health benefits, simple walking can work on many different levels, but all of these activities can be done both in person or online, which makes them a valuable weapon in prolonging and sustaining better mental health.
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