Playing board games is entertaining, but that is only one of the many benefits of board game playing. There has been quite a resurgence in the popularity of board games. For many people, playing such games connects individuals and keeps the mind busy. A few of the many benefits are the following;
Playing Board Games Increases Brain Function
Playing games is an exercise for your brain. It stimulates brain areas that are responsible for memory formation and complex thought processes for all ages. Engaging in play assists in practising essential cognitive skills, such as decision-making, higher-level strategic thinking, and problem-solving.
Helps Improve the Memory Retention Capability of Adults
Losing key memory skills and succumbing to dementia is a worry for many seniors, and board games can help prevent this type of cognitive decline. By focusing on memory and cognitive associations, board games support the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex of the brain, which are two of the first areas that are affected in the early stages of dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Simple tasks become even more difficult as we get older, and fine motor skills can be a challenge to retain as the effects of ageing take their toll. However, like most things, practice makes perfect, and the more that you work on dexterity and coordination the better it becomes. Moving small game pieces and shuffling cards are both great ways for seniors to work on dexterity in a fun, relaxed way. For more on how to improve memory retention, check here.
Board Games Offer Opportunities For Early Learning in Children
Even simple games help young players identify colours, count spaces, learn to wait their turn and follow the rules. They teach the children important lessons. Furthermore, it helps school-aged kids work on skills they’re struggling with. These games, when played without interruptions, can help lengthen a child’s attention span. Finishing a board game without interruptions will help lengthen the declining attention span of kids in a world filled with digital distractions. They teach the value of teamwork.
