Games for an over-60s social group

[newschoolpals]

Just as the title says really, my parents are part of a new-ish over-60s community group, they have some funding to buy some games so they have asked me to come up with a list that they can submit on their application.

I do have a lot of games that I play but of course not all suitable, so I'm looking for your suggestions please?

Criteria would be along the lines of :

• Easy to explain / read the rules

• Easy to set-up and put away

• Not too long - maybe 15-20 mins I guess?

• Played in small groups of maybe 4-6

• Not too mentally taxing (my parents said this, not me!)

Thankyou in advance xx

Bananagrams - ten minutes a round and highly addictive if you like scrabble but not tedium

We've found the Logo game successful with all sorts of age groups. There's a lot of nostalgia!

We (all over 60) had a great time playing Cards Against Humanity last weekend

Dominoes.
Snakes and ladders.
Cards.
Charades.
Happy Families.
Indoor Boules (if they have space, maybe get a couple of sets).
Badminton (if a bigger indoor space, I know a couple well into their 70’s who both still play this).

Quirkle and Carcassonne are the two that sorting to mind as being very simple to play but also strategic. They get a lot of play at our village games night including with our older attendees. And my mum, dh's dad etc.

Uno Extreme (the one where the cards are in a machine that dishes them out) is great fun and is a good mix of skill and luck. For a really 'evil' variant, try playing with cards on show! I'd also get a few games of Shut the Box because you can play that endlessly and keep score of who wins, best of 6 or whatever.

UNO

I was just coming on to say this. My parents and their friends in their 80s play this.

Cards against humanity.

I'm in my mid 60s and would be beyond horrified if I was offered a junior/large print/ simplified version of anything. My marbles are fully intact, thank you.

But I'm also guessing Puzzlefluffing that you wouldn't be one to go to an over 60's games / activity session in your local community hall? My guess would be the majority are mid 70's - mid 80's, or younger but with significant physical or mental health needs.

Sorry FuzzyPuffling!

Twister? I'm not far off that age and yesterday beat my dil (early 30s & dgd age 7) didn't find it too taxing despite my advanced years and even just about managed to see the large coloured spots..

We loved herd mentality this year easy to explain and easy to do

Skyjo is good.

Does the funding allow for charity shop purchases ,they will have a lot in soon. I often have a look and a lot are still sealed up as they were unwanted at Christmas time.

My 95 year old Mum goes to a weekly games club in her local library, which she absolutely loves. Its membership is mostly 60s/70s, though a couple of much younger people turn up every now and again.

The most popular games AFAICS are Rummikub (rummy with tiles) and Qwirkle (a cross between dominoes and Scrabble).

Mum also likes Catan, but that might not work so well in that setting.

Genius Square comes in packs of 2 but you can double/triple up the boards using one set of dice to make 4 or six player. V quick

Quirkle is going down a storm with my parents hosting friends to play 4-6 player

Telestrations- just got this 4-8 player and v social and fun- not too competitive either.

I am in my 60s and like:

Scattergories
5 Second Rule
Tapple
Articulate

They help to stimulate the 'little grey cells'.

Cockroach poker
Saboteur
Codenames
Sushi Go
Love Letter
Exploding Kittens
Dixit
One Night Ultimate Werewolf

Bejesas. We're in our 60s and are sitting here playing Dominion with our kids. Let's not treat people in their 60s as if they are ancient!

And having said which, Codenames is fab and quick.

Banangram - same skills as Scrabble, but much quicker (can play lots of rounds if want to play longer).

Packs of playing cards.

If you want people physically moving, then

• indoor bowls
• badminton
• table tennis
• a kwik cricket set, but play 'walking cricket' - indeed the kit for any 'walking team game' would work. I have familiy members that do walking football, walking cricket, walking rounders, and walking netball

You're probably right. I and love the "mangling" of my name! 😂

Defo Exploding Kittens - great fun had by all generations!

ChatGPT suggests:

Here’s a list of games that meet your criteria. They’re engaging, easy to explain, and designed for small groups, making them perfect for your parents' over-60s community group:

Card-Based Games

1. *UNO*

- A classic, colorful card game with simple rules. - Great for 2-10 players. - Fun and lighthearted.

1. *Skip-Bo*

- A sequencing card game that’s easy to learn. - Suitable for 2-6 players.

1. *Phase 10*

- A rummy-style card game with a sequence of phases to complete. - Works well with 2-6 players.

1. *Rummikub (Tile Version)*

- A rummy-style game with tiles instead of cards. - Very tactile and enjoyable for 2-4 players.

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Party Games

1. *Dobble (Spot It!)*

- A fast-paced matching game that’s quick to pick up. - Perfect for 2-8 players and shorter play sessions.

1. *Bananagrams*

- Like Scrabble but faster and simpler. - Easy to set up and suitable for 2-6 players.

1. *Codenames: Pictures*

- A simplified, visual version of Codenames. - Fun for 4-8 players working in teams.

---

Dice Games

1. *Qwixx*

- A quick dice-rolling game with easy scoring. - Supports 2-5 players.

1. *Roll For It!*

- Simple dice and card matching game. - Suitable for 2-4 players and very lighthearted.

---

Board Games

10. Ticket to Ride: New York

    • A smaller, quicker version of Ticket to Ride.
    • Suitable for 2-4 players and takes about 15 minutes.

11. Carcassonne: The Castle

    • A scaled-down version of Carcassonne, simple to grasp and play.
    • Ideal for 2 players or small teams.

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Dexterity Games

12. Suspend

    • A fun balancing game with rods.
    • Works for 2-4 players and is very hands-on.

13. Klask

    • A magnetic tabletop game like air hockey.
    • Perfect for 2 players and very engaging to watch.

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Cooperative Games

14. Forbidden Island

    • A cooperative adventure game with a simple setup.
    • Works for 2-4 players and promotes teamwork.

15. The Mind

    • A minimalist cooperative card game involving silent communication.
    • Quick and enjoyable for 2-4 players.

---

Classic Choices

16. Dominoes

    • A timeless game, perfect for small groups.
    • Easy to learn with tactile tiles.

17. Yahtzee

    • A dice-rolling game that’s simple and satisfying.
    • Great for 2+ players.

I’m over 60 and in various groups over 2024 I’ve played cribbage, euchre, dominoes dobble, rummikub, uno and a few new board games whose names haven’t stuck with me.

The most entertaining by a long chalk has been https://www.amazon.co.uk/k-Game-Hilariously-Social-Adult/dp/B01H1NIQP4
Almost everyone who’s played it has bought it for their (adult) children. If you can cope with the odd rude word, it sets your brain on edge 🤣