Retirement brings many changes to our lives, including shifts in our social circles. As we leave the workforce, we often lose daily interactions with colleagues. Children grow up and move away, and sometimes we find ourselves coping with the loss of a partner. These transitions can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, which research has linked to negative health outcomes, including increased risk of heart disease, stroke, and depression.
But there's good news: board games offer a powerful antidote to social isolation. They provide structure for meaningful social interaction, create shared experiences, and foster a sense of community. Let's explore how board games can help build and strengthen connections during retirement.
The Loneliness Epidemic Among Older Adults
According to Age UK, more than 2 million people in England over the age of 75 live alone, and more than a million older people say they go for over a month without speaking to a friend, neighbour, or family member. The COVID-19 pandemic has only exacerbated this issue, with many older adults experiencing extended periods of isolation during lockdowns.
Dr. Sarah Harper, Professor of Gerontology at Oxford University, notes: "Social connections are crucial for mental health at any age, but particularly as we get older. Regular meaningful interaction with others gives us purpose, alleviates depression and anxiety, and even strengthens our immune systems."
How Board Games Foster Connection
Board games create perfect conditions for building relationships. They offer:
- Structured interaction: Games provide a framework for socializing that removes awkwardness and gives everyone a role.
- Shared focus: The game serves as a common activity that brings people together with a shared purpose.
- Multi-generational appeal: Many games can be enjoyed by people of different ages, creating opportunities to connect with grandchildren, neighbours, and friends.
- Regular meetups: Game groups and clubs offer consistent social engagements to look forward to.
- Laughter and shared experiences: Games create moments of joy, surprise, and friendly competition that become shared memories.
"I lost my wife three years ago and found myself becoming increasingly isolated. My daughter suggested I join the local board game club at the community centre. At first, I was reluctant—I hadn't played games since my children were young—but it's been transformative. I've made new friends, have something to look forward to each week, and even host game nights at my flat now."— Robert, 72, Brighton
Best Social Games for Older Adults
While many games can be social, some are particularly well-suited for building connections. Here are our top recommendations:
1. Just One
Just One
Players: 3-7 | Duration: 20 minutes | Difficulty: Easy
This cooperative word game has players trying to give one-word clues to help someone guess a secret word. The catch? If multiple players write the same clue, those clues are cancelled out. Just One creates moments of laughter and connection as players see how differently (or similarly) they think.
The cooperative nature means there's no competitive pressure, and the game naturally encourages conversation about word associations and shared experiences.
2. Dixit
Dixit
Players: 3-6 | Duration: 30 minutes | Difficulty: Easy
Dixit is a beautiful game of storytelling and imagination. Players take turns giving a clue about a picture card in their hand, and others try to guess which card is theirs among all the submitted cards.
The game encourages personal expression and reveals how differently people interpret images. It often leads to conversations about memories, experiences, and perspectives, making it perfect for deepening connections between players.
3. Qwirkle
Qwirkle
Players: 2-4 | Duration: 45 minutes | Difficulty: Easy
Qwirkle is a tile-laying game that combines elements of dominoes and Scrabble. Players match tiles based on either shape or colour to score points.
The simple rules and tactile tiles make this game accessible even for those with limited game experience or mild cognitive impairments. The gentle pace allows for conversation while playing, and the game creates natural pauses for social interaction.
4. Trekking the World
Trekking the World
Players: 2-5 | Duration: 30-60 minutes | Difficulty: Moderate
This beautifully illustrated game has players collecting destination cards and souvenirs as they travel around a world map. It naturally sparks conversations about places players have visited or dream of visiting.
The game creates opportunities for players to share travel stories, cultural experiences, and bucket list destinations. These personal anecdotes help build connections as players learn about each other's lives and interests.
5. Wavelength
Wavelength
Players: 2-12 | Duration: 30-45 minutes | Difficulty: Easy
Wavelength is a social guessing game where teams try to read each other's minds. A team member sees a spectrum card (like "Hot to Cold" or "Good to Evil") and gives a clue to help their team guess where on a hidden dial the target is located.
The game creates fascinating discussions about how we perceive concepts differently. These conversations often lead to deeper understanding of each other's perspectives and values, strengthening social bonds.
Starting a Board Game Group
Interested in using board games to expand your social circle? Here are some tips for starting a board game group:
- Check local resources: Many libraries, community centres, and retirement communities already host game sessions. These provide ready-made social opportunities with minimal effort required to join.
- Start small: Invite a few neighbours or friends for a casual game afternoon. Choose accessible games that don't require prior experience.
- Create a routine: Regular meetings (weekly or fortnightly) help establish the habit and give everyone something to look forward to.
- Be inclusive: Consider accessibility needs, such as games with larger text for those with vision impairments, or games that don't require extensive hand dexterity.
- Provide refreshments: Simple snacks and drinks help create a welcoming atmosphere and natural breaks for conversation.
- Expand gradually: Once established, encourage members to invite others who might benefit from the social connection.
"The Thursday Games Club has become the highlight of my week. We're a diverse group—some in their 60s, others in their 80s—but the games bring us together. We've formed friendships that extend beyond our weekly sessions. Last month, when Eliza was in hospital, we all took turns visiting her and bringing small puzzles to keep her entertained."— Catherine, 69, Bath
Digital Alternatives for Distance Connections
For those who may have family and friends living far away, digital versions of board games can help maintain connections across distances:
- Board Game Arena: A website offering hundreds of board games to play online with friends or strangers.
- Tabletopia: A digital platform that recreates the physical board game experience in a 3D environment.
- Video calls + simple games: Games like Yahtzee, Bingo, or word games can be played over video calls with each person having their own components.
While digital options can't fully replace the tactile experience and in-person connection of traditional board games, they offer a valuable alternative for connecting with loved ones who live far away.
The Health Benefits of Social Gaming
The benefits of social connection through board games extend beyond just enjoyment. Research has shown that regular social interaction in older adults is associated with:
- Reduced risk of depression and anxiety
- Better cognitive function and potentially delayed onset of dementia
- Lower blood pressure and improved cardiovascular health
- Stronger immune function
- Longer life expectancy
When these social connections are formed through mentally stimulating activities like board games, the benefits are even greater. The combination of cognitive engagement and social interaction creates a powerful tool for maintaining health and wellbeing in later life.
Conclusion
Board games offer far more than entertainment—they provide a structured, accessible way to build and maintain social connections during retirement. Whether you're looking to expand your social circle, strengthen existing relationships, or connect across generations, there's a board game that can help create those meaningful bonds.
As we age, intentionally cultivating social connections becomes increasingly important for our health and happiness. Board games offer a joyful, engaging way to create those connections, bringing laughter, conversation, and shared experiences into our lives.
Ready to enhance your social connections through board games? Browse our featured games section for more recommendations, or contact us for advice on games that might suit your specific situation.