Many seniors already own a phone or tablet, so it's easy for them to transition into the world of mobile games. Typically, these games are bought as a one-time purchase or are free to play as long as you view ads.
Some games are technically free, but they try to get you to purchase additional content or play sessions. Be sure to check each game you're considering downloading for its up-front and potential hidden costs so you can stick to a budget that suits you.
To help keep your device and personal data safe from malware and viruses, only download game apps from official sites, such as the Google Play Store or the Apple Store. Additionally, game store pages list which permissions the app will request on your phone or tablet. It's common for a game to request storage to save your progress. However, you should be wary of games that want to access texts, calls, contacts or cameras. It's best to check each permission request carefully and confirm why it's needed to play the game.
Here at Bethesda Gardens Loveland, we believe mobile games offer seniors exciting cognitive challenges and leisure opportunities. For that reason, we've curated a list of 12 of our favorites for you to explore.
The artwork of Under Leaves is entirely hand-drawn watercolor illustrations. The lovely visuals set the tone for this short but sweet hidden object game. The peaceful music also helps make it a joy to study each of the 20 pictures.
Another take on the hidden object genre, Hidden Folks takes a lighthearted approach to puzzle games with comedic hints and sound effects. The miniature landscapes are interactive, so you'll need to actively cut down brush, open tent flaps and more in your search for the characters.
One of many minimalist puzzle games created by Rainbow Train, Naboki has no time limits or scoring system. Playable offline, it lets you unwind with simple yet challenging puzzles accompanied by a soothing soundtrack.
Loaded with seasonal and holiday decorations, Pocket Camp lets you relax as a campsite manager, personalizing your area and inviting animal villagers to visit you. You can fish, catch bugs and talk with visiting animals, but the heart of the game is the decorating aspect.
Its developers released new content every month for 7 years, giving players thousands of clothing and furniture pieces to fuel their creativity. Many of the detailed furnishings are also interactive for the villagers, who pick up and play musical instruments, spin toy tops and take naps in hammocks.
As a deck-building game, Slay the Spire challenges players to become adventurers and strategically use cards to defeat enemies and ascend to the tower's top. However, the game's true test lies in selecting a combination of cards that complement each other and your play style.
There are hundreds of attack and defense cards to discover, offering players an endless tactical challenge as they strive to learn the best ways to build their deck.
An award-winning puzzle game, Baba Is You asks you to think outside the box and constantly change the rules of the game to progress. It has no timers, letting you think through each level at your own pace. The puzzles themselves vary in difficulty and can have more than one solution, depending on your approach to the rules.
Described as less of a game and more of a journey, FAR: Lone Sails is an atmospheric puzzler. Set in a post-apocalyptic world with no enemies or NPCs, its main goal is to build your vessel and explore. Ongoing research shows that immersive game worlds may promote better game health.
Free without ads and playable offline, Simon Tatham's Puzzles offers 40 puzzle games, including Sudoku, ideal for challenging your mind. The simple visuals are easy on the eyes, and each game features an adjustable difficulty level.
The positive impact of crosswords on the brain has been acknowledged by scientists for years. While many online crossword apps have intrusive privacy and data collection policies, this 750-game pack by Teazel Ltd doesn't share your information with third-party advertisers.
Coloring can reduce stress and improve mental health. This charming app offers you beautiful Christian-themed pictures to color on the go when you can't access books, colored pencils or crayons.
This collection contains logic, number and word search games ideal for seniors seeking a cognitive challenge. The creator describes it as forever free of ads, purchases and data tracking. The lack of ads ensures it's family-friendly and safe to share with your grandchildren during visits.
The Curious Village is the first game in the popular Professor Layton adventure series. In a nod to beloved mystery classics such as Sherlock Holmes, players explore a world styled after Victorian England. Instead of playing as the professor himself, you control his young apprentice, who's tasked with solving intuitive puzzles and investigating the mystery of the titular village alongside his mentor.
