Weekends are meant for slowing down, sharing laughter, and enjoying simple pleasures. For Indian seniors, one of the most delightful ways to do this is with board games. They don’t just entertain – they keep our minds sharp, strengthen memory, and give us a chance to bond with family and friends.
Here are seven wonderful games – a mix of nostalgic favourites and brain-focused challenges – to try this weekend.
- Carrom – The Classic Indian Favourite
Carrom is more than a game; it’s a memory of childhood evenings spent around the board, aiming for the queen.
- Why seniors love it: Sharpens focus, hand–eye coordination, and strategy.
- Tip: Team up with grandchildren for doubles – it brings out laughter and teamwork.
- Ludo – The Colourful Family Companion
Simple and cheerful, Ludo has been bringing families together for generations. The roll of the dice keeps everyone on edge.
- Why seniors love it: Easy to play, light-hearted, and fun for all ages.
- Tip: Play it on a physical board for nostalgia, or try the app version with distant family.
- Snakes and Ladders – Lessons in Life
Originally from India (Moksha Patam), this game teaches patience. Each ladder represents virtues, and each snake a setback – just like life.
- Why seniors love it: Quick, fun, and a chance to share life lessons with grandchildren.
- Scrabble – Words for the Mind
If you enjoy words, Scrabble is a gentle but stimulating challenge. Making new words keeps the brain active and memory fresh.
- Why seniors love it: Enhances vocabulary, spelling, and memory recall.
- Tip: Keep a dictionary handy – every new word is a win!
- Chess – The Game of Kings
A quiet game of chess can be deeply satisfying. Every move requires foresight and patience.
- Why seniors love it: Improves concentration, problem-solving, and long-term thinking.
- Tip: Play against a family member or even a chess app if no partner is available.
- Sudoku Board or Tile Games
Sudoku isn’t only for newspapers – today you can find Sudoku-inspired boards and tile sets that make it more interactive.
- Why seniors love it: Sharpens logic, memory, and attention to detail.
- Tip: Start with easy puzzles and move to harder ones as confidence grows.
- Sequence – A Modern Favourite
A blend of cards and board strategy, Sequence keeps you on your toes. You need to plan ahead and block your opponents.
- Why seniors love it: Improves observation, planning, and memory – all while being social.
- Tip: Great fun in a group setting with friends or grandchildren.
Board games are more than entertainment – they are medicine for the mind and food for the soul. They keep our brains active, spirits high, and families close.
So, this weekend, bring out the carrom board, shuffle the cards, or open up Scrabble. Prepare a pot of masala chai, serve some roasted chana or fruit chaat, and let the joy of play fill your home.
Because at the end of the day, the real victory lies in the laughter shared and the memories made.
