A good fit, with the right choices
Many older adults enjoy puzzles, word games, card games and trivia, and a phone puts all of these in a pocket. Mobile games are not a necessity for anyone, and not every senior will want them. For those who are curious, though, the right game can be a pleasant addition to the day.
The key phrase is “the right game”. Older adults vary enormously in experience, eyesight, hand steadiness and interest. Some have used phones for decades; others are new to touch screens. Good choices fit the person, not the age group.
Possible benefits
Individual results vary, and none of these is guaranteed.
- Enjoyment and routine. A daily crossword, a card game or a word puzzle can add a pleasant pastime, particularly when mobility or weather limits going out.
- Mental activity. Puzzles, word games and strategy games involve thinking, recall and planning. They are an enjoyable way to stay engaged. It is not proven that they prevent memory decline, so it is best to enjoy them for what they are rather than as a medical measure. Social, physical and learning activities of many kinds are also valuable.
- Social contact. Many games allow you to play with family, grandchildren or friends. Sharing a word game with a grandchild who lives far away gives you something to talk about. Playing together can be a good way to stay connected when distance or health makes visits difficult.
- Learning something new. Getting comfortable with a phone through a simple game can build confidence for other useful tasks such as messaging, video calls and map apps.
- Gentle activity. Some games encourage short walks or movement, and active play can be enjoyable, though physical limits should be respected and a doctor consulted about exercise.
What to look for in a game
Aim for simplicity. Helpful qualities include:
- Clear, large text and buttons, with strong color contrast.
- No time pressure, or the option to turn it off.
- A short, plain tutorial that can be replayed.
- Calm pacing, and few flashing effects or sudden loud sounds.
- Easy undo, hints or pause.
- Few pop-ups and ads that interrupt play or look like buttons.
- Familiar formats, such as solitaire, crosswords, jigsaws, sudoku or trivia.
Usability tips
A few phone settings can make play much more comfortable:
- Increase text size and display zoom in the phone’s accessibility settings, and turn on bold text if it helps.
- Adjust touch settings. Many phones can ignore accidental brief touches or slow down the response to taps.
- Use a stand or case grip so the phone stays steady and you do not have to hold it for long periods.
- Lower glare. Raise brightness in daylight, and keep the screen clean. Warmer tones in the evening may be easier on the eyes.
- Use headphones or turn up volume if hearing is a concern, and turn on subtitles where available.
- Take breaks. Look away from the screen regularly to reduce eye strain, and sit with good posture and your wrists relaxed.
Playing on a tablet can be easier than a phone, thanks to the bigger screen and larger targets.
Staying safe
Unfortunately, older adults are sometimes targeted by scammers. A few simple habits go a long way:
- Install apps only from the official store on your device, and be wary of anything sent in a message.
- Be skeptical of fake giveaways or messages claiming you have won something or must act immediately.
- Never share passwords, one-time codes, banking details or your address with someone you meet in a game.
- Be careful with in-app purchases. Consider asking the store to require a password for every purchase, and watch for unexpected charges on your statements.
- Use a strong password and two-step verification on the accounts you rely on, and ask a family member to help set them up if needed.
If something seems wrong, stop, and talk to someone you trust before taking action.
Helping a parent or grandparent
If you are helping someone get started, sit alongside them rather than taking the phone. Let them choose the game. Set up text size and accounts together, write down how to find the app, and show them how to pause, go back and ask for help. Be patient: confidence tends to grow with repeated, relaxed practice. Playing a game together can be a good way to connect.
Keeping a balance
For most people a game is one hobby among many. Pay attention to whether it is crowding out sleep, meals, movement or time with people, and if it is, make small adjustments, such as a set time of day for play. If play seems to be replacing contact with others or you are worried about mood, talk with a family member, doctor or another trusted person. Games are best as one pleasant part of a full and connected life.