My Nana and parents had sharp minds well into their 80’s. One reason may have been their love of playing cards!
Card games offer more than just fun—they deliver a host of mental and social benefits that can improve your brain health and overall well-being. Engaging in games like euchre, bridge, rummy, and poker stimulates critical skills such as strategic thinking, memory, and pattern recognition. For example, poker encourages players to analyze opponents’ behaviour and calculate odds, while bridge tests memory through tracking played cards and forming strategies with a partner. Euchre involves teamwork, encouraging focus and cooperation between partners. Many games also require mental flexibility, forcing players to quickly adapt to shifting circumstances—a key life skill for processing change and uncertainty.
Beyond brainpower, card games foster social connection, an important component of emotional health, especially for seniors at risk of isolation. They also offer a platform for friendly competition—a low-stress environment where players can build confidence, self-esteem, and camaraderie without high stakes. Whether it’s a quiet evening of solitaire or a lively game night with friends, card games are a powerful tool for exercising the mind and nurturing social bonds. So next time you pick up a deck, know you’re doing more than playing—you’re investing in your mental sharpness and social well-being. Bottom line: card games help you feel better.
By Peter Yurek, BSc.Phm.
