Keeping the brain active is essential as we age. Alongside regular physical activity, mental exercise can help maintain good morale and cognitive function in our later years. Staying mentally sharp also supports stronger social interactions. There are many ways to keep the brain in good shape, and playing strategic games is one of them. Perhaps surprisingly, the classic card game Solitaire has been shown to help keep the mind sharp—and may even lower the risk of developing dementia.
Solitaire is a single-player card game in which the goal is to organize all cards into piles in a specific order to win. There are various versions of the game, each with its own strategies and solutions. It’s designed to be played solo, with the objective of using up all the cards by forming particular sequences. Beyond just a game, Solitaire is also a way to calm the mind, offering a light and meditative mental state. People who experience anxiety or chronic worry often find this calming effect especially beneficial.
Many experts agree that games like Solitaire can help maintain cognitive health. Skills like problem-solving, memory recall, stress management, and focus are all exercised during play. Engaging regularly in games like Solitaire may help ward off dementia and support a more fulfilling life in our later years.
“Solitaire is an enjoyable card game that gives the brain a gentle but thorough workout,” says Holger Sindbaek, a designer, programmer, and gaming enthusiast from Denmark. Sindbaek, who is the founder and CEO of Online Solitaire, is a fan of classic card games like Spades, Hearts, and, of course, Solitaire. He continues, “Deduction, object recognition, and short-term memory are all positively impacted by playing the game. Ultimately, that’s great for brain health—and that translates to better quality of life as we age.”
Holger Sindbaek Highlights the Key Benefits of Playing Solitaire for Brain Health:
Brain Health:
Clinical studies suggest that regularly playing Solitaire can help preserve cognitive function. It’s even associated with a lower risk of heart disease and dementia.
Stress Management:
Solitaire requires planning, strategizing, and patience. Being fully engaged in the game allows us to focus deeply, which can be therapeutic. “This kind of focused attention puts us in an almost meditative, transcendental state that excludes awareness of the outside world,” Sindbaek says. Much like reading, sleep, or creative activities, this mental state helps reduce stress and anxiety.
Memory Enhancement:
The game stimulates object and facial recognition and short-term memory because of its memory-intensive gameplay. Regular play helps reinforce these critical cognitive functions.
Problem Solving:
Every hand of Solitaire challenges players to use sequencing, sorting, and decision-making skills. “Refined and strengthened by consistent mental exercise, these abilities influence our day-to-day functioning and overall well-being,” Sindbaek notes. The game keeps our minds agile and enhances critical thinking.
Dopamine Release:
Winning feels good, even in a solo game. That “feel-good” sensation comes from dopamine, a neurotransmitter that affects mood, memory, motivation, and concentration. Winning a round of Solitaire can lead to a chemical boost in our brain that makes us feel more positive and motivated. Over time, these positive associations can make Solitaire a helpful tool for emotional well-being as well.
Decision-Making:
Solitaire trains the brain to weigh options, assess potential outcomes, and refine strategies—skills that are essential in real-life decision-making. Sindbaek observes, “Ironically, a solitary game like Solitaire can enhance social functioning because it strengthens the very brain processes we rely on for interaction.” And, when needed, the game also provides peaceful, solitary downtime to recharge mentally.
“In later years, our social lives and mental acuity play crucial roles in maintaining our sense of youth and resilience in facing the world. Playing Solitaire regularly can actually support brain health and may help ward off dementia,” Sandbaek explains. “I highly recommend it as part of a lifestyle geared toward cognitive maintenance. It can be a lot of fun, too— and fun is indispensable to our psyche and overall well-being,” Sandbaek concludes.
As someone who has been playing board games and Solitaire for most of my life, I’ve found it emotionally rewarding. On many occasions, it has helped reduce my stress, anxiety, and OCD symptoms. Over time, I’ve discovered various ways to play and succeed, each offering similar positive effects. While I can’t predict the long-term impact, I believe that continuing to play regularly may decrease symptoms and enhance both my physical and mental health, potentially even reducing the risk of dementia.
Wishing happy amusement to all!
Certified Peer Specialist from Long Island.
