14 Fun Party Games for Older Adults

Family gatherings, whether for holidays, birthdays, or a fun get-together, are wonderful opportunities to connect across generations. Playing games together is one of the best ways to make these moments memorable, especially for seniors. It adds fun to the event and helps family members of all ages enjoy meaningful time together.

If you’re planning an upcoming family celebration, consider playing games that are entertaining, mentally stimulating, and easy to learn. Below are some fun party games that seniors and family members of all ages can enjoy.

1. Jigsaw Puzzles

Jigsaw puzzles are a great way to bring family members together. Unlike many games, you don’t have to complete a jigsaw puzzle all at once. You can work on it bit by bit, making it perfect for gatherings where friends and family can join at their own pace.

Here are some tips to get seniors excited about working on a jigsaw puzzle:

• Choose a puzzle featuring a favorite family photo or a scenic location that brings back good memories.
• Consider puzzles for adults with vibrant colors and bold designs to make pieces more visually appealing.
• Try large-piece jigsaw puzzles for seniors, which are ideal for older adults with visual impairments or limited dexterity.

2. Jenga

Jenga is a crowd-pleaser that gets everyone’s adrenaline going. Not only is Jenga fun and simple, but it also has some surprising benefits for seniors. Jenga helps with fine motor skills, improves hand-eye coordination, and encourages non-verbal reasoning.

Bonus Tip: Try a giant Jenga set! It’s especially fun for larger gatherings, as everyone can take turns stacking and removing blocks.

3. I Spy with a Twist: Riddle Riddle Ree

For a nostalgic twist on “I Spy,” try Riddle Riddle Ree. Seniors, kids, and everyone in between can enjoy this game. Choose an object in the room and keep its identity secret. Say the following:

“Riddle, Riddle, Ree – I see something you don’t see, and it’s (name the color of the object).”

Family members then take turns guessing the object until someone guesses correctly. The first person to guess correctly gets to pick the next secret object.

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4. Old Maid

Old Maid is a simple card game that many seniors remember fondly. Most people already know how to play Old Maid, making it easy to play. And for those who are learning, there aren’t any complicated rules. Make matches but don’t get the Old Maid card!

It’s a fun card game that builds excitement and friendly competition—perfect for multi-generational gatherings. Plus, it can be played with a special deck or a standard deck of cards.

5. Scrabble

Scrabble is a wonderful game for seniors because it combines strategy, vocabulary, and math. Take turns spelling words and earning points. Whether you’re a seasoned player or learning for the first time, Scrabble is always fun and encourages family interaction.

Some Scrabble editions now feature larger print and tiles with high-contrast black letters on a white background, making the game easier to read for seniors with vision impairments.

6. Bingo

Bingo is always a crowd favorite, especially for seniors. Mark off numbers on your cards as they’re called out, and get a BINGO. Add a personal touch by choosing fun prizes like small treats, favorite snacks, or small keepsakes. You could even turn it into a competitive family tournament!

7. Charades

Charades is a fantastic way to get everyone moving and laughing. Act out a word or phrase without speaking, while your team guesses what it is within a set time limit. Adapt it for any age by selecting meaningful themes, like favorite hobbies, memorable vacations, or activities everyone enjoys.

8. Pictionary

Pictionary is a wonderful game for groups and can be simplified for seniors. Use large, easy-to-read drawing pads, and choose themes like family traditions, favorite foods, or local sights. It’s a great way to get everyone involved, and you might discover hidden artistic talents!

9. Name That Tune

Play short snippets of popular songs from various decades and let everyone guess the title or artist. This game is especially fun for seniors, who may enjoy the nostalgia of hearing familiar tunes and recalling memories associated with them.

10. Two Truths and a Lie

Learn more about each other by playing two truths and a lie. Each person shares two true stories and one fictional one related to family memories or personal interests, and the group tries to guess which one is the lie. This game encourages storytelling and is a great way for seniors to share meaningful experiences and family history.

11. Skyjo

Skyjo is a fun, easy-to-learn card game, making it a hit with seniors and family members alike. The objective is to score the fewest points by strategically swapping, collecting, and discarding numbered cards in each round. Adjust the difficulty by including or excluding certain card values, making it highly adaptable for different skill levels.

12. Checkers

Checkers is a classic board game that’s easy for all ages to enjoy. Simple yet strategic, checkers provides a relaxing, mentally engaging activity for seniors and families alike. Larger boards and pieces are also available, making this timeless game accessible for seniors with visual impairments. While it’s a 2-player game, you can host a checkers tournament and crown a champion.

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13. Othello

Othello is a strategic board game for 2 that’s simple to learn but challenging to master. Players take turns placing black and white discs on the board, aiming to flip their opponent’s pieces by surrounding them. The game encourages strategic thinking and keeps players mentally engaged.

14. Dominoes

Dominoes is a classic tile game that’s perfect for seniors and family gatherings. It is great for exercising memory, strategy, and pattern recognition. Dominoes is easy to set up, and you can adapt it for different skill levels, making it a fun way to spend time together.

Making Family Gatherings More Meaningful

Playing games together is a great way to strengthen family bonds and ensure seniors feel engaged and valued during the holiday season. We hope that these party games for seniors can bring a new level of joy to family gatherings. We’d love to hear your favorite games to play with aging loved ones!

If you’re looking for more ways to make life enjoyable for your loved ones, contact your local Caring Senior Service office. As a trusted home care provider, we support your elderly loved ones in staying independent.