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Playing Board Games Helps The Elderly Maintain a Sharp Memory

Oct. 15, 2020


A study shows that playing Board Games can help the elderly maintain a sharp memory. Researchers found that those who regularly play chess and bingo are more likely to maintain their thinking skills. In this study, researchers at the University of Edinburgh evaluated 1091 people born in 1939.


Participants' general cognitive function was recorded at the ages of 11 and 70, and then a series of cognitive tests were performed at the ages of 70, 73, 76, and 79. At the age of 70 and 76, respondents were asked how often they participated in activities such as playing cards, chess, bingo and crosswords. The researchers then tried to determine whether there was any connection between the games they played and their cognitive abilities.


The study, published in the journal Geriatric Medicine Series B: Psychological Science, found that those who started playing more games in their later years were less likely to experience decreased thinking skills. This is particularly evident in the participants' memory function and thinking speed. The researchers concluded that their findings may help determine which activities may benefit the cognitive abilities of older people.


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Dr. Drew Atshur of the School of Philosophy, Psychology, and Linguistic Sciences at the University of Edinburgh explained: “For those in their 70s or older, another message seems to be that playing non-video games may be reducing recognition. The decline in cognitive abilities is a positive behavior.” Professor Ian Derry, director of the Centre for Cognitive Epidemiology at the University of Edinburgh, said that the study “is narrowing down the types of activities that may help older people stay sensitive.”


Professor Di Rui added: “It would be great to find out whether some of these games are more effective than others.” “We also pointed out that some other things are also related to better cognitive aging, such as physical health and poor health. Smoking." Caroline Abrahams, head of philanthropy at Age UK, said the findings of this study prove that the decline in thinking ability of the elderly is not necessarily inevitable.


Abrahams also stated: “In later life, the link between playing board games and Card Games and keen thinking and memory skills has increased our understanding of the measures we can take to protect cognitive health, including not excessive Drink alcohol, stay active and eat healthy."


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