7 Fun and Easy Dice Games for Senior Citizens

There’s just something magical about gathering around the table, dice in hand, ready to test your luck.

And If you’re anything like me, you know that the clatter of dice and the thrill of chance is the perfect recipe for a fantastic , no matter your age.

Dice games are easy to learn, require minimal setup, and can be enjoyed by people of all ages and abilities.

So, let’s dive into some of the best dice games to play with seniors that they’ll really love.

The Top 7 Dice Games for Elderly to Enjoy

For seniors looking for a fun way to spend the afternoon that doesn’t involve trying to remember where you left your glasses (only to find them on your head), dice games are the ticket.

They’re simple, they’re lively, and, let’s be honest, there’s something satisfying about the clatter of dice on a tabletop.

I’ve had my fair share of laughs (and friendly eye-rolls) playing these with my family (young and old). Trust me, it’s all in good fun.

1. PIG: Getting to 100 Has Never Been This Fun

First up, we have PIG, a classic dice game that’s perfect for seniors (and quite honestly, anyone) who love a bit of strategy and excitement.

The goal is simple: be the first player to reach 100 points. Each turn, you roll the dice and keep adding up your score until you decide to “hold” or you roll a one, which ends your turn and erases your points for that round. It’s a game of risk and reward, and trust me, it can get pretty intense. 

My grandmother, bless her, always pushes his luck too far in this game. It’s all about knowing when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em, and apparently, that’s a lesson she skips every time.

2. Beetle: A Drawing Dice Game That Seniors Love

Beetle is where it’s at if you like a bit of creativity with your dice rolling. Every roll gets you closer to drawing a part of your beetle. Here’s what to draw for each roll:

• 1 – Body
• 2 – Head
• 3 – Leg (need 6)
• 4 – Eye (need 2)
• 5 – Antenna (need 2)
• 6 – Tail

You have to draw the body first before adding other parts. And the head must be drawn before the eyes and antennae.  

First one to complete their beetle wins. My artistic skills might not win any awards, but seeing everyone’s interpretations of a beetle is half the fun.

Hey, my grandma’s beetle looked more like a Picasso painting than an insect, but who’s judging?

3. Left-Right-Center: A Fast-Paced Dice Game of Luck

Left-Right-Center, or LRC, is a quick game of chance using three special dice and some chips – and it’s awesome for large groups of seniors. Players start with three chips.

Taking turns, roll the three LRC dice. For each L you roll, pass a chip to the player on your left. For each R, pass a chip to the right. Cs go into the center pot. If you don’t have any chips, skip your turn but stay in the game.

Game continues until one player has all the chips. Or until a predetermine time limit runs out. You decide.

LRC is very easy to learn, so it’s great for seniors with dementia or Alzheimer’s. My grandpa, whose memory was starting to slip, still got a kick out of playing.

On each turn, players roll three dice, which determine whether they pass chips to the left, right, or center pot. It’s a fast-paced, exciting game that keeps everyone engaged and on their toes.

4. Sevens Dice Game: Avoid Those Lucky Sevens

Sevens Dice Game: Avoid Those Lucky SevensIn Sevens, the goal is to avoid rolling a sum of 7. The first player rolls two dice.

If they roll a 7, play passes to the next player. Otherwise, they can bank their points and pass or roll again to try to increase their score.

But beware – rolling a 7 wipes out your unbanked points for that round! First player to reach an agreed upon score (like 500) wins.

5. Cover the Number Dice Game:

Cover the Number is played with two dice and a printed grid of the numbers 2-12.

On your turn, roll the dice and place a marker on the sum you rolled. Then decide to roll again or pass the dice. You can’t mark a sum that’s already covered. The first player to mark all their numbers wins!

There’s surprising strategy to this simple game.

Do you use your turn to block your opponent? Focus on marking your own numbers? Or some combination? I love that it makes you think while still being accessible for most seniors.

6. Tenzi Dice Game: A Fast Paced, Exciting Game for Seniors

Tenzi is a fast-paced dice game that’s perfect for seniors who love a bit of excitement and quick thinking.

Each player gets 10 dice, and the goal is to be the first to roll all their dice to the same number. It’s a game of speed, concentration, and a whole lot of laughter.

7. Round the Clock Dice Game

Round the Clock is like a trip down memory lane, but instead of photos, it’s numbers, and instead of a lane, it’s a dice-rolling marathon. The aim is to roll the numbers 2 through 12 in order.

You can get creative, using one die or both to hit your numbers. Like you can use both dice to make a number, like rolling a 5 and 6 to make 11. Or use just one die, The first one to complete the circuit wins. Easy, right?

Well, not when you’re playing with grandpa, the strategic mastermind who somehow always knows which numbers to roll. I swear, it’s like he’s got the dice charmed. 

What’s Up (Game Name)	Cool Stuff (Pros)	Not So Cool Stuff (Cons)	Just a Heads Up (Things to Watch or Modify)
PIG	It’s all about taking chances and hoping you don’t roll a one. Super fun if you like a little risk!	Losing all your points because of a single roll can be a bummer.	Got shaky hands? No problem. Use a dice cup or a tray to keep those dice in check.
Beetle	You get to draw a bug piece by piece, which is pretty cool and a bit funny.	Not everyone’s an artist, so some beetles might look… unique.	If drawing’s not your thing, use stickers or stamps to build your beetle. Keeps the laughs but loses the frustration.
Left-Right-Center (LRC)	Super simple to learn and great for a big group. Just roll and pass chips left, right, or to the pot.	It’s mostly luck, so there’s not much strategy going on.	Using bigger dice and chips makes everything easier to handle. Or switch to candy for a sweet prize.
Sevens	The goal’s to dodge rolling a seven. It’s a neat mix of luck and a bit of thinking.	It’s a downer when you roll a seven and lose your points for the round.	Make sure everyone’s clear on the rules about keeping points safe to avoid any mix-ups.
Cover the Number	You roll, cover a number, and try to be strategic about it. It’s both easy and makes you think.	It can get a bit competitive, which might not be everyone’s cup of tea.	Big numbers and markers help everyone see and play without squinting or struggling.
Tenzi	Fast, exciting, and all about rolling dice quickly to match numbers. It’s a blast!	It’s speedy, so it might be tricky for folks who take a bit more time.	Slow it down or use fewer dice to make sure everyone can keep up and have fun.
Round the Clock	It’s like a trip down memory lane with dice. You’re rolling to hit numbers in order.	Can feel slow for those who like games that move faster.	Adding in “skips” or other twists can spice things up and keep everyone engaged.

How to Modify Dice Games for Seniors with Limited Mobility or Dementia

As we get older, it’s no secret that our bodies and minds might not work quite as well as they used to. But that doesn’t mean that senior citizens have to say goodbye to their beloved dice games.

With a few simple modifications, you can make these games more accessible and enjoyable for seniors with limited mobility or dementia. So, let’s dive in and see how you can do it:

Adapting Games for Those with Physical Challenges

First up, let’s talk about how we can modify dice games for our friends with limited mobility. Now, I know what you’re thinking – “Grandmpa can barely lift her arm above my head these days!” Trust me, I get it.  But, there’s plenty of ways to adapt these games to suit the needs of someone who needs help moving the dice:

• Use a dice cup or a tray with raised edges to prevent dice from rolling off the table
• Opt for larger, oversized dice that are easier to grab and roll
• Hire a dice-rolling assistant (maybe a grandkid?) to help the senior roll their turns during the game.

Making Dice Games Dementia-Friendly: Simple Rules and Clear Objectives

Now, let’s talk about how we can make dice games more accessible for our friends with dementia.

As someone who’s had their fair share of “senior moments,” – even though I’m not a senior, I know how frustrating it can be to try and remember all the rules and objectives of a game.

But with a few simple tweaks, you can make these games much more dementia-friendly.

1. Keep the rules simple and straightforward
2. Have clear objectives for each game
3. Use visual aids whenever possible
4. Create custom dice with pictures or symbols instead of numbers

Why Dice Games are Perfect for Senior Citizens

Let’s face it, not everyone is cut out for marathon sessions of Monopoly. Dice games, on the other hand, are the unsung heroes of the game closet.

They’re easy to pick up, quick to play, and don’t require turning the living room into a war room (unless, of course, that’s your thing).

Plus, with their minimal setup, they’re ideal for older adults who may find complex board games or those requiring dexterity a bit daunting.

My grandma, who claims she’s “allergic” to lengthy rulebooks, adores dice games for their simplicity and the fact that we can chat, joke, and play without getting bogged down by complicated strategies.

Easy to Learn, Easy to Play: The Charm of Dice Games for the Elderly

You know what’s great about dice games? They’re just so darn easy to pick up and play.

Unlike some of those complicated board games that make you feel like you need a PhD to understand the rules, dice games (if you choose the right ones) are straightforward and make sense right off the bat.

Grab some dice, find a flat surface, and boom – you’re ready to have a good time!

Boosting Mental Agility and Social Interactions Among Seniors

Not only are dice games a ton of fun, but they also offer some fantastic benefits for seniors.

Rolling the dice, keeping track of scores, and making strategic decisions all help keep the mind sharp and engaged. It’s like giving the brain a playful workout!

Plus, playing dice games is an excellent way for seniors to socialize and connect with others.

Whether they’re playing with family members, friends, or fellow residents at a nursing home, dice games provide an opportunity to chat, laugh, and create memorable moments together.

Dice Games vs. Traditional Board Games: What’s Better for Seniors?

Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m a big fan of board games too. But when it comes to finding the perfect game for seniors, I think dice games have a bit of an edge. Here’s why:

Dice Games	Board Games
Easy to take anywhere, quick to set up	Often need more space and prep time
Simple rules, easy to understand	Can have tricky rules and strategies
Shorter games, less tiring	Might have longer play times, leading to fatigue
Adaptable for different skill levels	Some might be too tough for certain seniors

Of course, the best game for any group of seniors depends on what they like and what they’re able to do. It’s all about finding the right match and making sure everyone feels included and engaged.

Your Turn

Ever had a PIG game that turned into a wild rollercoaster of emotions? I’d love to hear about that time you (or your grandparent) were on the verge of winning, only to roll a one and lose it all.

Bonus points if you’ve got a funny tale of dramatic gasps, table thumping, or victory dances that were prematurely celebrated.