Playing board games has been a popular pastime for generations. Beyond just entertainment, board games offer significant benefits for individuals of all ages and abilities. From enhancing social connections to cognitive effects and dexterity aspects, board games widely contribute to overall well-being according to the World Health Organization’s (WHO) quality of life criteria.
Board Game Evolution
In recent years, board games have undergone a remarkable transformation, expanding their appeal beyond just being considered mostly games for children. Starting around 2005, there was a a new life in board game design and production, often referred to as the ”golden age of board games.” During this period, innovative game mechanics, complex strategies, and immersive themes emerged, capturing the attention of a wider audience. These new board games embrace a range of themes, from historical events to science fiction, catering to diverse interests and preferences. They feature engaging gameplay and clever mechanics that challenge players, encouraging strategic thinking and collaboration. With the rise of this new era, board games have become an inclusive and accessible form of entertainment for people of all ages, reaffirming their status as a valuable activity that offers countless opportunities for connection, mental stimulation, and enjoyment.
The Social Aspect: Creating Connections for Isolated Individuals
Board games have a unique ability to bring people together, fostering social connections and combating isolation. The social interaction and engagement involved in playing board games can provide a sense of belonging, friendship, and community support. For isolated individuals, board games offer a platform to connect with others, strengthening social bonds and reducing feelings of loneliness.
New genres of board games have also emerged, requireing a ”group victory” instead of a unique winner. Examples of coop’ games are Pandemic, where you try to find the cure to rapidly spreading viruses around the globe, Paleo, an adventure game set in the stone age, where your goal is to suvive as a tribe, as well as all the Exit, Unlock and other escape room types of games, where you have a limited amount of time to find clues and solve problems in order to escape.
Mental and Dexterity Benefits: Sharpening the Mind and Fine Motor Skills
Engaging in board games stimulates our cognitive abilities and challenges our strategic thinking, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Players must analyze situations, anticipate opponents’ moves, and develop strategies – all while considering probabilities and outcomes. This mental stimulation enhances critical thinking, spatial awareness, memory, and concentration.
Additionally, some board games require dexterity and fine motor skills. Manipulating cards, dice, and game pieces can help improve hand-eye coordination and fine motor control, benefiting individuals of all ages. For visually impaired, spacial memory is also trained extensively.
Board Games and WHO’s Quality of Life Criteria
Games are known to promote wellness. The World Health Organization (WHO) defines quality of life (QOL) as a multidimensional concept, encompassing physical, mental, and social well-being. Board games align with several aspects of the WHO’s criteria, including:
Physical well-being: Certain board games, like those involving physical activity or movement, contribute to physical fitness and coordination.
Mental well-being: Board games engage our minds, stimulating cognitive abilities and promoting mental fitness. This can help prevent cognitive decline and improve overall mental well-being.
Social well-being: As mentioned earlier, board games provide a platform for social interaction and fostering connections. This social engagement positively impacts overall mental and emotional health, promoting a sense of belonging and social support.
Discover New Challenges
Playing board games is more than just a way to pass the time – it offers substantial benefits for individuals of all ages and abilities. From combating social isolation to improving cognitive abilities and dexterity, board games contribute to enhanced well-being and quality of life. By embracing board games as a form of entertainment, we can create opportunities for social connection, mental stimulation, and overall personal growth. So let’s gather around the table, roll the dice, and enjoy the countless benefits that board games have to offer.
Ever played a board game and you did not like it? Don’t give the hobby up as a whole, there are hundreds of new games every year. from easy, fun party games done it 10 minutes to deep, heavy weight games taking days to finish. From nature to horror, space to history, food to sport,… Surely there is something for you too!
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