November 2024 | Senior Players

 What is it about card and board games that ranks them as a favorite hobby among seniors?

Is it because playing cards or games is an active engagement that exercises brain’s ability to retain and recall information, or is it another level of social interaction that its much needed as you are getting older and -in-some-cases- wiser?

Playing games requires players to recall rules, remember strategies, and keep track of the game’s rhythm.

Active engagement with the game stimulates memory function, thus, as research shows regular players maintain and improve their memory skills and concentration.

What’s most important from my perspective is the mental-wellbeing-aspect of it all.

The enjoyment and focus required during gameplay diverts the attention away from daily worries and challenges, providing this way a mental break while giving you – if lucky or skilled- the winner’s attitude which is a total confidence boost.

When getting older, so many things have already been said. You are looking for quality time with people that you can laugh your ass off with, you can share your life stories and you can also say absolutely nothing for hours without worrying for any drama.

So, the thing is I actually am already there mentally. Physically I will be there in the years to follow, I guess.

But I have clear images of old-me, arguing and laughing while playing card games with my favorite small gang of people. And find joy and rhythm through that.

Maybe this future image tickles my buying instincts when I bump into Smythson or Bottega Backgammon sets.

It’s an investment after all.

Love,

ELENI NODARAKI

Creative Editorial Director

Write to me on eleni@decorationrunway.com