Plenty of people play card games with friends and even random strangers simply for the thrill of winning. However, few card players realize that strategy-based card games also yield multiple other benefits. Card games with more than a hint of skill help to keep our brains supple, improve our problem-solving abilities, and provide a social outlet that's key to a happy, healthy mind.
Card games are great for personal development and expanding your brain's volume
In 2014, researchers working on behalf of the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Disease Research Center and the Wisconsin Alzheimer's Institute undertook a lengthy exercise, designed to pinpoint potential links between mentally stimulating hobbies like card playing and increased brain volume and cognitive ability. Their findings were presented at the Alzheimer's Association International Conference in the same year.
They studied 329 people who were of an average age of 60. They were fit and healthy but deemed to be at risk of developing Alzheimer's disease in the future. From the outset, all participants undertook MRI scans and early-stage tests of their cognitive abilities. They were subsequently asked about their day-to-day hobbies and pastimes, with those who enjoyed playing card games, puzzles, and reading books were said to have enhanced brain capacity in multiple areas of their brain.
They also scored significantly higher in memory and thinking tests. It reaffirms the "use it or lose it" issue with our brains, suggesting that maintaining an active lifestyle is more likely to boost our cognitive reserves. The most strategic card games include poker, patience and contract bridge. The latter is one of the most popular among seniors, played by millions of people worldwide in clubs and tournaments, as well as home games.
Build social relationships - even if you play online
Card gaming also promotes socializing among us all, including the elderly. The benefits of human interaction are generally undisputed and card games are typically social opportunities - a chance to sit around the table and enjoy time with others.
It's not even necessary to leave your home to enjoy a daily game of cards. The fast-growing iGaming industry has been embraced by many of the US' most reputable gaming brands, not least MGM. BetMGM is a particularly simple place to play classic card games like poker and blackjack. It offers shared bankroll functionality too, allowing you to use the funds you deposit across BetMGM's online poker room, online casino, and sportsbook. This article tells you all you need to know about BetMGM, including the legal and licensed states where you can play.
Most online operators also run live dealer games, which allow players to interact in real-time with the professional dealers that run the games. Live chat boxes make it easy to chat to dealers and the other players at the tables too, creating an inclusive, social environment that keeps people engaged and part of a community.
This doesn't mean every time we sit down for a game of poker we should be patting ourselves on the back for expanding our brain capacity, but if your recreational time can be good for your wellbeing, so much the better!
