Doctors Say Retirees Should Regularly Play These Two Word Games To Stay Sharp As They Age
During retirement, staying mentally active should be at the list of a retiree's priority list. But experts say keeping your brain engaged doesn't have to involve complicated memory exercises or expensive programs. According to mental health professionals, classic word games like Scrabble and crossword puzzles can be an entertaining way to help older adults exercise important cognitive skills.
What the Research Actually Says About Word Games and Brain Health
A Columbia University and Duke University study found that older adults with mild cognitive impairment who regularly completed crossword puzzles experienced slower memory decline and less brain shrinkage over 18 months than those who played computer-based cognitive training games.
"Scrabble and crosswords stimulate language-based networks within the brain, including retrieving words and processing speed," Dr. Lauren Grawert, MD, FASAM, Clinical Advisor at The Garden Recovery & Wellness, told Parade. "I like that these types of activities provide mental stimulation without being perceived as 'cognitive training.'"
Rather than committing to structured programs that engage multiple systems in the brain, taking on these hobbies makes it easier for many retirees to do something they already enjoy.
It's About More Than Memory
Word games also offer benefits beyond mental exercise, problem-solving, and increased processing speed. Retirees who regularly participate in mentally engaging activities can reinforce a sense of accomplishment. Licensed clinical psychologist Dr. Nina Bakoyiannis, PhD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist at SelfWorks, told Parade games like Scrabble do much more than test vocabulary.
"Because one of the most challenging parts of old age is noticing your body and your mind change, functioning is changing, and having regularly structured activities where you are able to accomplish these sorts of tasks, explore what it is like to challenge ourselves cognitively, helps maintain the confidence in ourselves that's so important," she explains.
Related: Retirees Who Shop at Costco Are Missing the Best Part - and It Has Nothing to Do With Food
The Social Benefits Matter, Too
Experts say one of the biggest-and often overlooked-benefits of word games is the opportunity for connection. Whether you're competing with a spouse over a Scrabble board or tackling the Sunday crossword with friends, these activities can help reduce feelings of isolation.
"Being able to keep that play is not only important for our emotional well-being," Dr. Bakoyiannis says, "but I think keeps alive a core part of ourselves and our youth that's meaningful to tap into."
While experts agree that there's no single game or activity that guarantees better brain health, the greatest benefits come from regularly participating in activities you genuinely enjoy and will stick with. That's why timeless favorites like Scrabble and crossword puzzles remain two of the best ways to exercise your brain muscles.
Sources
- Dr. Nina Bakoyiannis, PhD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist at SelfWorks
- Devanand, D.P., Goldberg, T.E., Qian, M., Rushia, S.N., Sneed, J.R., Andrews, H.F., et al. (2022). Computerized Games versus Crosswords Training in Mild Cognitive Impairment. NEJM Evidence, 1(12), EVIDoa2200121. https://doi.org/10.1056/EVIDoa2200121
- Dr. Lauren Grawert, MD, FASAM, Clinical Advisor at The Garden Recovery & Wellness
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This story was originally published June 26, 2026 at 11:58 AM.