The Best Video Games for Seniors

You might think of video games as a quick way to waste the day away, especially if you’ve ever known a teenager. There are video games for seniors, however, that offer an easy and fun way to do just the opposite —allowing you to stay active and sharp.

You would be surprised at how much activity you can do with video games in today’s generation. From being able to virtually play tennis, golf, volleyball, and more, you can get a whole-body workout while defeating enemies and traversing worlds. You can even go brain-to-brain with family and friends or play a rousing game of “Family Feud.”

The Wii Active Life Lives On

The Nintendo Wii was unveiled on Nov. 19, 2006. It quickly became a hit, especially the “Just Dance” game that had users on their feet trying to mirror the moves they saw on screen. With over 100 million units sold, the Wii was discontinued in 2013.

So why are we still talking about it? Because you can get everything the Wii offered — and more — through the Nintendo Switch, which starts at $199. 

Video games for seniors soon became a ground-breaking phenomenon as this was the first time the gaming industry reached out beyond its traditional market of teenage boys and young men. Happily, the Nintendo Switch has followed suit.

Keeping Fit with Nintendo Switch

If you miss Wii exercise games, you don’t have to. The Nintendo Switch offers a huge lineup of games to get you moving — in whatever fashion you like most.

If you’ve ever done Pilates, you know what the “ring” is. It’s a sturdy yet flexible plastic loop that you can use in a seemingly endless variety of ways to work every muscle in your body. It’s also the inspiration for Ring Fit Adventure, which has users chasing a bodybuilding dragon through 20 vibrant worlds. The concept is that you get so caught up in your adventure that — unlike Pilates — you barely realize you’re working your quads and triceps.

If you like your workout to be intentional but still fun, Fitness Circuit might be the way to go. The game, which offers 45 different exercises, alternates between cardio and strength-building moves that are tailored to your level and preferences.

Is dancing more your thing? Nintendo revived crowd-favorite Just Dance for the Nintendo Switch. The 2024 version offers 40 songs, including some you’ll know for sure like “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston and “Swan Lake” by the Just Dance Orchestra. While some of the other songs may be unfamiliar, you’ll learn new moves — and probably laugh quite a bit — keeping up with hits like “Tití Me Preguntó” by Bad Bunny. As the holidays approach, you’ll feel festive with Andy Williams’ “It’s the Most Wonderful Time of the Year.”

Nintendo Switch Sports, meanwhile, will indulge your competitive spirit with golf, soccer, volleyball, bowling, tennis, badminton, and chambara (swordplay). Active Life Outdoor Challenge has also made the transition from Wii to Switch, incenting you to jump, squat, and stomp as you conquer various adventures. 

On the other end of the intensity spectrum, the Nintendo Switch Yoga Master was designed by experts to help you reach the perfect balance between mind and body. 

Nintendo Switch Brain Boosters

Crossword puzzles and Sudoku are great, but Nintendo drew on its history of Wii games for adults to offer a whole new level of brain boosters. 

Nintendo Switch Big Brain Academy is exactly what it sounds like — a series of brain-bending activities designed to test the mettle of users of all ages. You can play alone or compete with friends. There are six levels of difficulty that you advance through as you answer questions correctly. 

Another popular favorite back from the Wii days, Dr Kawashima’s Brain Training for Nintendo Switch takes you through a series of challenges to answer one question — how old is your brain?

If that sounds a bit intense, kick back with Nintendo Switch Family Feud or Nintendo Switch Jeopardy. You can play both games with friends — or challenge players online.

Nintendo Switch Classic Fun

Not everything needs to be about getting fitter or smarter, right? Sometimes you just want to have a little fun while sitting on the couch. 

Nintendo Switch Atari Flashbacks will take you back 40 years with classics like Donkey Kong, Pac-Man, and Space Invaders. Nintendo Switch also has a huge collection of Super Mario Bros. games. 

Staying Active at Stonebridge at Montgomery

Wellness is a way of life at Stonebridge at Montgomery thanks to our award-winning LivWell program. In addition to the fully equipped fitness center and heated indoor pool, you’ll find plenty of walking trails, a bocce ball court, and inviting places to sit and relax after you’re done. See it all for yourself by scheduling a visit to our campus in Skillman, New Jersey.