Keeping the brain active and engaged is important for seniors in care. Brain teasers are a great activity to challenge the mind and improve cognitive function.

Many activity coordinators in aged care have reported brain teasers to be a fun and engaging way to keep residents’ minds sharp and improve overall wellbeing. Whether seniors in care prefer crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, or brain games, there are plenty of options to choose from. Try incorporating some of these brain teasers into your daily activity planning to keep residents’ minds active and engaged.

Here are 10 fun and challenging brain teasers for seniors to try:

1. Sudoku

Sudoku is a number puzzle game that requires logic and critical thinking. It’s a great way to exercise the brain and keep the mind sharp. Our Sudoku for Seniors article has more information about how to play and the benefits for seniors. Click the link below to get our free Sudoku Puzzle for Seniors.

2. Crossword Puzzles

Crossword puzzles are a classic brain teaser that has been around for decades. They challenge vocabulary, spelling, and problem-solving skills. You can download and print some of our free crossword puzzles here.

3. Word Search

Word search puzzles are a fun way to keep the mind engaged. They challenge visual perception and pattern recognition. You can find free printable A4 word search puzzles contained in our activity books listed below. We have a collection of printable Word Search puzzles in our Premium Membership, click the link below.

4. Jigsaw Puzzles

Jigsaw puzzles are a great way to challenge the mind and improve fine motor skills. They also provide a sense of accomplishment when completed. You can find jigsaw puzzles in a variety of difficulty levels and themes.

5. Brain Games

There are many online brain games that are designed to improve cognitive function. Some popular brain game websites include Lumosity, BrainHQ, and Fit Brains.

6. Riddles

Riddles are a fun and challenging way to exercise the brain. They require problem-solving skills and critical thinking. You can find free riddles online, or in puzzle books.

7. Memory Games

Memory games challenge the brain’s ability to recall information. There are many different types of memory games, including matching games and memory exercises. We have some fantastic memory games in our shop, browse some of the listings below.

8. Chess

Chess is a strategic game that requires planning and critical thinking. It’s a great way to exercise the brain and improve problem-solving skills. We have fantastic Chess, Checkers and Backgammon set available in our shop.

9. Scrabble

Scrabble is a classic board game that challenges vocabulary and spelling skills. It’s a fun way to keep the mind engaged and improve cognitive function.

10. Trivia Games

Trivia games are a fun way to challenge the mind and improve general knowledge. There are many different types of trivia games, including board games and online trivia quizzes. We have hundreds of free printable quizzes on this site, some are listed below.