What’s great about playing cards is that it’s inexpensive, portable and doesn’t depend on the weather! All you need is one or two packs of cards and some willing players. Canasta, 500 and bridge are great for a challenge and then there’s snap, rummy, go fish and hearts for pure simple fun. Make sure there’s plenty of space for conversation and laughter. Health benefits include:
- Exercises memory and concentration Learning the rules, remembering cards and previous moves, and developing strategies all stimulate the mind and memory, and can allay cognitive decline.
- Maintains dexterity Holding your cards and shuffling and dealing them requires fine motor skills that help you maintain your manual dexterity. The whole game helps you with your eye-hand coordination.
- Managing emotions Being a good sport is important in cards. Allowing for friendly competition, yet handling it graciously when you lose is a good way to keep perspective, mature and accepting.
- Encourages teamwork Many card games require having a partner. This is great for developing collaboration, teamwork and patience, regardless of what your results are.
- Keeps mind sharp A standard set of rules requires active problem solving and logical thinking. New learning develops new neural pathways, which benefits your brain. Understanding statistics and probability, as well as reading other players' emotions and facial expressions all create mental stimulation.
- Encourages easy socialisation Cards provide an easy way to break the ice and engage in conversation. Playing with a regular group is a great way to socialise and make new friends.
- Stimulates immune system Research shows that playing bridge stimulates the immune system, due to the exercising of memory, sequencing and visualisation.
- Teaching others Many people, especially younger people, don't know how to play cards, so it's a great way of teaching them something fun and stimulating. It doesn't rely on technology and and is really about being with people. Snap is good for kids, building up to games like rummy and 500 with teens.