Video games are not just for kids or younger adults. For seniors, the right game can be a fun way to relax, stay mentally engaged, spend time with family, or simply try something new.

And seniors do not need to be experienced gamers to enjoy them. Some may prefer a familiar card game on a tablet. Others may have fun bowling on a Nintendo Switch or racing their grandchildren in Mario Kart.

The best place to start is with a game that matches the person's interests, abilities, and comfort with technology.

What Makes a Video Game Senior-Friendly?

A senior-friendly game should be enjoyable without feeling frustrating or overly complicated.

Some helpful features to look for include:

• Simple or adjustable controls

• Easy-to-read menus and text

• Adjustable difficulty levels

• A slower or more relaxed pace

• Games that can be played for short periods

• Multiplayer options for playing with family or friends

It also helps to consider vision, hearing, hand dexterity, mobility, and previous experience with technology.

1. Nintendo Switch Sports

Nintendo Switch Sports is one of the easiest places to start for seniors who enjoy familiar activities. Players can choose from bowling, golf, tennis, badminton, soccer, volleyball, basketball, and other sports. Many use motion controls, so the player moves the controller rather than memorizing a long list of buttons.

Bowling can be especially approachable because the basic idea is already familiar to most people.

Best for: Light activity, family game nights, and seniors who prefer active games.

2. Mario Kart 8 Deluxe

Mario Kart can be a surprisingly good choice for someone new to gaming. It is colorful, social, and easy to understand. You race around a track and try to reach the finish line.

Mario Kart 8 Deluxe also includes Smart Steering, which can help newer players stay on the course.

It is particularly fun when children or grandchildren play along.

Best for: Family time, friendly competition, and seniors willing to try something faster paced.

3. Animal Crossing: New Horizons

Not every video game needs to be competitive.

Animal Crossing: New Horizons moves at a relaxed pace and lets players build and decorate an island, fish, catch bugs, collect items, garden, and interact with different characters.

There is no need to rush through it, which can make it appealing to seniors who prefer calm activities they can return to whenever they like.

Best for: Relaxation, creativity, gardening fans, and seniors who enjoy collecting or decorating.

4. Solitaire, Sudoku, Crosswords, and Other Puzzle Games

Sometimes the best video game is simply a digital version of a game someone already enjoys.

Tablets and smartphones make it easy to play:

• Solitaire

• Sudoku

• Crossword puzzles

• Word searches

• Digital jigsaw puzzles

• Word games

• Chess and checkers

These games usually require less of a learning curve than traditional console games. They can also work well for short periods throughout the day.

Best for: Beginners and seniors who already enjoy cards, words, numbers, or puzzles.

5. Clubhouse Games: 51 Worldwide Classics

Clubhouse Games is another strong option because many of its games will already feel familiar.

The Nintendo Switch collection includes 51 different tabletop and board games, including chess, card games, solitaire-style games, bowling, golf, and other traditional activities. It also offers different computer difficulty levels for players who want to practice on their own.

Instead of learning one complicated video game, seniors can explore several familiar games in one place.

Best for: Card players, board game fans, and beginners.

6. Wii Sports

Some families still have an older Nintendo Wii sitting in a closet, and Wii Sports remains a fun option if the system is already available.

Bowling, golf, tennis, and other activities rely heavily on motion rather than traditional controller buttons. That simplicity helped make the Wii popular with people who had little previous gaming experience.

Because the Wii is an older console, families generally do not need to purchase one specifically for senior gaming. But if one is already in the house, it may be worth bringing it back out.

Best for: Seniors who already have access to a Nintendo Wii and enjoy light movement.

Don't Overlook Games They Already Know

There is no reason to introduce someone to a complicated adventure game if they have played cards every week for 40 years. Start with their interests.

Someone who enjoys Scrabble may like word games. A longtime crossword fan may enjoy puzzle apps. A golfer might be interested in a virtual golf game. Someone who enjoys playing cards with friends may prefer Solitaire, Hearts, or digital versions of traditional card games.

Familiarity can make new technology feel much less intimidating.

Video Games Can Be Social, Too

Gaming does not have to be a solitary activity.

A senior can play alongside a spouse, friend, grandchild, family caregiver, or professional caregiver. In many cases, the game simply provides another reason to sit down together, laugh, talk, and enjoy an activity.

For seniors who have difficulty getting out of the house, video games can also be one of many activities for seniors with limited mobility that can be adapted to their comfort and abilities.

Helping a Senior Get Comfortable With Video Games

Keep the introduction simple. Instead of handing someone a controller and explaining every button at once, choose one easy game and play alongside them. Show them the controls as they need them.

It can also help to:

• Increase text size when the game or device allows it

• Reduce the difficulty level

• Use accessibility or driving-assist settings when available

• Keep early gaming sessions short

• Choose games without strict time limits

• Let the senior decide whether they actually enjoy the game

The goal is not to turn someone into an expert gamer. It is to find another enjoyable activity they can look forward to.

Making Each Day More Enjoyable at Home

Meaningful activities can make a big difference in someone's daily routine. Sometimes that means going for a walk or working on a favorite hobby. Other times, it might mean playing a few rounds of bowling on a game console.

At 24 Hour Caregivers, companionship is about more than simply having someone in the home. Our caregivers can help clients continue favorite hobbies, enjoy social activities, stay connected with loved ones, and find new ways to make everyday life more engaging.

If your loved one could benefit from additional companionship or support at home, 24 Hour Caregivers is here to help create a care plan built around their needs, routines, and interests.