SENIORS PROGRAM

Wednesdays, Noon-3PM

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A goal of CHECKMATES is to create a place where seniors can meet and play against other seniors and adults in chess

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Chess has been proven to have an incredible number of benefits for seniors that they will take with them for the rest of their lives:

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1)Promotes brain growth: Games like chess that challenge the brain actually stimulate the growth of dendrites, the bodies that send out signals from the brain’s neuron cells. With more dendrites, neural communication within the brain improves and becomes faster. Think of your brain like a computer processor. The tree-like branches of dendrites fire signals that communicate to other neurons, which makes that computer processor operate at a fast, optimal state. Interaction with people in challenging activities also fuels dendrite growth, and chess is a perfect example.​

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2)It exercises both sides of the brain: A German study indicated that when chess players were asked to identify chess positions and geometric shapes, both the left and right hemispheres of the brain became highly active. Their reaction times to the simple shapes were the same, but the experts were using both sides of their brains to more quickly respond to the chess position questions.

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3)Helps prevent Alzheimer’s: As we age, it becomes increasingly important to give the brain a workout, just as you would every other major muscle group, in order to keep it healthy and fit. A recent study featured in The New England Journal of Medicine found that people over 75 who engage in brain-games like chess are less likely to develop dementia than their non-board-game-playing peers. The saying “use it or lose it” certainly applies here, as a sedentary brain can decrease brain power.

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4)Improves recovery from stroke or disability: Chess develops fine motor skills in individuals who have disability or have suffered a stroke or other physically debilitating accident. This form of rehabilitation requires the motion of chess pieces in different directions (forward, backward, diagonally forward motion, diagonally backward motion), which can help develop and fine tune a patient’s motor skills, while the mental effort required to play the game can improve cognitive and communication skills. Playing can also stimulate deep concentration and calm, helping to center and relax patients who are experiencing different degrees of anxiety.

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SOME MORE BENEFITS:

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Improves memory, concentration, organization, perception, and analytical skills

Fine motor skills in seniors (hand movements) will be exercised and improved, since chess requires moving chess pieces.

Seniors playing chess have better visualization skills than seniors who do not play chess.

Chess can improve visualization by thinking ahead of time or in advance possible moves that can help him or her win the game.

It help keeps the brain function at a normal rate, instead of the brain function to deteriorate together with the aging process.

Seniors who play chess regularly have lower risks for depression and anxiety. Chess can help in improving self-esteem and self-improvement in seniors.

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