Many people think of AARP Games as a place to get health insurance or other discounts for things like dentures, prescription drugs, and assisted living. But the organization’s activities extend far beyond that. In fact, the AARP is home to over 100 different games available free of charge on their website. Games are an excellent way to introduce younger generations to the benefits of joining a community and spending time with friends. If you want to use your games as an opportunity to inspire your current members or attract new ones, here are some helpful hints on how to do it successfully.
Get to know your community before hosting events
The best way to find out what is already happening in your community is to ask your members. AARP has an online survey you can use to ask your members what they are interested in doing, as well as what their challenges are. This will help you choose games that are most suitable for your members, while also making your events more accessible to those who might not be able to participate otherwise. Additionally, you can ask your members if they are interested in joining a facility or organization in your area that has activities you could offer as a game. If you are a retirement community, for example, you can ask your members if they would like more opportunities to go out to eat, attend classes, or go to the movies. By making your activities more relevant to your members, you can increase their desire to participate, which will make your community feel more welcoming.
Choose games that are easy to play and understand
AARP’s games are available for free for anyone over the age of 50, and those under 18 years old. In order to be accessible and appealing to all ages, you’ll need to make sure your games are easy to understand. Start by checking with your local game store for help with rules and setup. A lot of older adults are more comfortable trying games that are already set up and ready to go, rather than having to figure things out on their own. If you have a chess club or an older adults’ group that already meets, ask them if they are willing to provide the setup so you can get started as quickly as possible. If you don’t have access to an established group, you can still make an event accessible. You can have one person walk through the rules for each game, or you can use handouts or other materials that explain the game’s rules or setup. You can also create an online FAQ or video to help guide members through the setup process if you lack the space or expertise to do it yourself.
Check with your local game store for help with rules and setup
Many older adults are more comfortable trying games that are already set up and ready to go, rather than having to figure things out on their own. If you have a chess club or an older adults’ group that already meets, ask them if they are willing to provide the setup so you can get started as quickly as possible. If you don’t have access to an established group, you can still make an event accessible. You can have one person walk through the rules for each game, or you can use handouts or other materials that explain the game’s rules or setup. You can also create an online FAQ or video to help guide members through the setup process if you lack the space or expertise to do it yourself.
Choose games that are easy to understand
AARP’s games are available for free for anyone over the age of 50, and those under 18 years old. In order to be accessible and appealing to all ages, you’ll need to make sure your games are easy to understand. Start by checking with your local game store for help with rules and setup. A lot of older adults are more comfortable trying games that are already set up and ready to go, rather than having to figure things out on their own. If you have a chess club or an older adults’ group that already meets, ask them if they are willing to provide the setup so you can get started as quickly as possible. If you don’t have access to an established group, you can still make an event accessible. You can have one person walk through the rules for each game, or you can use handouts or other materials that explain the game’s rules or setup. You can also create an online FAQ or video to help guide members through the setup process if you lack the space or expertise to do it yourself.
