Before the technology revolution, kids played outside most of the time. They even played in the streets and after dark. Today, both technological advancements and safety concerns have driven children indoors. With Covid-19, many parents may have dug into their own childhood memories to find ways to entertain their kids. Kids used to play all kinds of games. From brain games like Rubik’s cubes to outdoor games like Red Rover, kids had no shortage of entertainment. Today, there are new versions of games and most of them require a computer or mobile device. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing. It’s just different from when some of us were kids. There are so many great games that kids used to play. Some of them are likely still being played in some form. Here is a look at some of the great old school games that kids used to love. Rubik’s Cubes Kids still play this today. It was very popular at one stage. It is a great game for developing problem-solving skills. Many people have battled with the cube to get all the colors aligned. Red Rover This was one of the most popular playground and camp games. The words ‘Red Rover, Red Rover, send Jimmy right over’, hold many fun memories for kids who grew up in the 80s. The game is played with a group of people divided into two groups. Each side hold hands and whoever is called over needs to try and get through the chain of kids. Not so easy. Double Dutch In some countries, there used to be serious Double Dutch competitions and tournaments. Two kids hold a pair of jump ropes and swing them. A third kid then ‘jumps in’ and tries to jump as long as possible. This is great for developing coordination and muscle memory. The choreography sections of competitions also required some creativity. Simon Says This is another game that is still played by some kids today. It is good for different reasons. It requires mental skills like listening and comprehending and then responding or not responding in the right way. It also develops balance and hand-eye-coordination. Board Games Board games are still popular today, but it needs to be mentioned. Board games are great for developing different mental skills like deduction, problem-solving, strategizing, and memory. Today, most games are played on electronic devices. They still offer great opportunities for mental development, though. However, the physical development is a bit harder. Some console games require actual physical participation, but not many. Kids may need to incorporate some of the old school outdoor games to develop coordination and motor skills. Games really have the potential to help kids learn while having fun. They often don’t even know that they are exercising or developing their mental abilities. Try playing some of these old school games and see how much fun kids of today can still have with them. It is also good for the grownups to dust off the cobwebs and get moving.

Mental agility has to do with how easily the brain can absorb new information and adapt to change. It involves skills like memory, recognition, deduction, strategy, problem-solving, and creativity. The more agile a brain is, the better able the person is to handle problems, life changes, and new technology. Developing and improving mental agility is important for all ages. For younger kids, the focus is more on developing these skills. They need to learn how to adapt, think, be creative, and solve problems. Adults already have most of these skills to some extent. Some more than others for different reasons. So, for adults it is more about improving mental agility. Playing games is a great way to develop and improve mental agility. Try some of these things to get that brain going. Read More Reading remains one of the best exercises for the brain for so many reasons. Reading improves vocabulary, imagination, and creativity. It stimulates the brain in different ways and makes those neurons keep firing. No matter what the topic and whether it is a novel or a hobby magazine, read more. Play Brain Training Games The advantage of mobile devices like smartphones and tablets is mobile games. There is a multitude of brain training games available for free. These games are developed to target and improve specific mental skills like memory and problem-solving. This is the best way to train the brain and have fun at the same time. Complete Crossword Puzzles Crossword puzzles are also considered games to some. Completing these puzzles are great for different skills. They require using memory, deduction, making connections, and more. They also improve general knowledge and vocabulary. Complete Sudoku Puzzles Sudoku puzzles are another great option for keeping the mind agile. These puzzles are available in books, online, and as mobile games. Find them where its most convenient and complete them whenever and wherever. Get Creative Creativity is one of the best and most unique skills that humans have. Everyone uses their creativity in their own way. Start doing something that is creative and enjoyable. For some people it will be writing a book or making clothes or baking cakes. For others it will be learning to dance or solving difficult mathematical problems. Yes, math can be creative. There are so many games and other ways in which people can work on their mental agility. Doing these things and playing these games will help people when they are older. Good mental agility is a strong weapon against the changing world and all the problems it brings. It is also the best way to stay alert and fight of conditions like Alzheimer’s.

People have so many different types of hobbies. Many of these involving games in some way. Some people hike and climb mountains. Other people craft everything from pillowcases to furniture. And then there are others who love board games, video games, vintage games, and brain training games. There are so many different types of games and people enjoy all of them as hobbies. Brain Training Games Brain training games are becoming more popular among kids and adults. The number of educational games on the market have increased drastically over the last decade or so. Mobile apps and the internet have made the creation and accessibility a lot easier. Not just kids enjoy educational games. With the reality of Alzheimer’s and similar degenerative mental conditions, adults are doing more to improve their mental abilities. Game developers have created games that focus on memory, problem-solving, object identification, deduction, and even fine motor skills. To find these games, simply do a search online or on the play store. Video Games It has been shown through some studies that video games really do have benefits. They develop both motor and mental skills. It depends on the type of game, of course, but deciding what to do on the screen while operating a controller requires ability. Video games are a huge hobby for kids and adults alike. There are international competitions and tournaments for certain games. The winners of these competitions can win thousands of dollars. Sponsorships are involved and people are even making money by recording themselves while playing and giving advice. Crazy but true. Board Games Board games will always be enjoyed. New ones are developed regularly. The options are limitless. Develop deduction and strategy skills with games like Risk and Settlers. Improve vocabulary with games like Scrabble. Improve imagination with games like Dungeons and Dragons. Don’t forget the trivia games like 30 Seconds for general knowledge. There are so many different categories and games and they all require some mental skills. Casino Games Casino games have long since become more than just gambling. Professional poker and blackjack players are proof of this. Playing these games successfully and winning requires several different abilities. Concentration, memory, mathematical skills, deduction, visual recognition, and controlling facial expressions and physical reactions. Physical Games Sports was, is, and always will be popular. Playing sports or games that require physical skills have always been very popular. Games like Red Rover, jumping rope, hop -cotch, hide and seek, and Simon Says all have a physical element. They develop balance, strength, coordination, and motor skills. Sports like football, golf, running, dancing, basketball and others are also popular as hobbies. Not everyone plays professionally but local leagues and friendly neighborhood games are found everywhere. All of these types of games are popular as hobbies. Some people make it their careers. Playing games as a hobby has many benefits and it’s just fun. Games are one of the best ways to relax, enjoy good company, and develop skills without knowing it.