Wordle has become a phenomenon, with spinoffs like Heardle for music lovers (and others like Quordle, Octordle, Dordle and Sedecordle which get harder) – but there’s so much more out there!
(Clueless about Wordle? Read this article for more and this overview of other variations.)
All About Wordle
Where’d the game come from? A love story, according to the New York Times: “Josh Wardle, a software engineer in Brooklyn, knew his partner loved word games, so he created a guessing game for just the two of them…he named it Wordle. The couple played for months, and it rapidly became an obsession in his family’s WhatsApp group. Wardle released it to the rest of the world in October. The rest is history.”
Not everyone loves Wordle, however; some find it “annoying.” Facebook puzzle fan Audrey prefers 7 Little Words which also features a daily puzzle , or Monkey Wrench— and even online jigsaw puzzles (much neater than having them spread out on your coffee table).
“They’re just interesting enough to blot out anxiety for a little while, and feel like a morning stretch.”
More than just Fun and Games
Why do older people like these word games? “For me these puzzles are pleasurable for my brain the way a dog likes to chew a bone,” says Facebook fan Denise. “They’re just interesting enough to blot out anxiety for a little while, and feel like a morning stretch.”
Writer Kate likes to see how fast she can do the New York Times daily crossword online.” Sometimes I can do it in two minutes, and I like this chirpy music that plays when you finish. This is how I start my day in the morning, along with reading the news and drinking coffee. I think doing crosswords and playing Wordle are really good for keeping our brains sharp as older people. “
Mindless games?
Think computer games are mindless? Think again, according to this article. Professor Daphne Bevelier says “There is significant evidence that action video games are far from mindless.” Her studies suggest that gamers have improved skills in attention, cognition, vision, and multitasking.
However, those studies also show that gamers get the most benefit from 3D games, so if you’re still playing Pac Man you’re not getting smarter. Here are some others which may add a few IQ points…or not.
Wordle Alternatives
Candy Crush, one of the oldest and most popular games, offers the same high as when the objects line up at the casino slot machine. (Here’s a primer on how to play.) But beware – it’s probably the most addictive game ever. An article in the Observer notes, “Candy Crush is, in short, the greatest boredom-killer in human history. It’s perfectly engineered to be easy to get into, satisfying to stick with and addictive as hell.”
Match 3D is somewhat similar to Candy Crush. It’s fast paced and timed; 3D objects piled up on the ground challenge you to unjumble them. Match 3D Master offers challenging levels to pair and match objects and matching pairs to beat levels. Facebooker Audrey says, “You have to be quick with your eyes to see the objects and quick with your fingers as well.”
Odd Bot Out helps writer Stephanie get her focus off words. “ You get this little robot through a bunch of obstacles so it can escape the factory. The graphics are great. The robot is adorable. The mechanics of putting together various objects so the bot can ride them, climb them, etc. are very clever. There are hints in the app, and if you’re stuck you can find all the solutions on YouTube. “
Pokémon Go. Pokémon Go is a free smartphone app that combines gaming with the real world. It uses location tracking and mapping technology to create an ‘augmented reality’ where players catch and train Pokémon characters in real locations. Random objects appear as you walk around your neighborhood and you have to catch them.
It will force you to get up and move around. Player Margaret says, “The kilometers add up and I can pretend I’m way more virtuous about exercise than I really am. All you need is a phone.”
Sims is an elaborate life simulation game. In the Sims world you choose an avatar for yourself which can do whatever you want. Psychoanalyst Steve McKeown says Sims can allow a person to escape social normality. “It allows the gamer to create a perfect reality in which they play the main character and have full control over the outcome…it allows gamers to explore a section of their personality they may not have known if they hadn’t played.”
Still can’t get enough of games? Meet fellow online game fans on the Senior Planet Community Game Time, created just for you! https://community.seniorplanet.org/groups/games-for-all/
With so many games and puzzles to choose from, it’s impossible to be bored, and the mental and even physical benefits are undeniable…to a point. Some find gameplay so addictive it takes over their lives; for them, there’s even therapy to get unhooked on computer gaming.
Erica Manfred’s articles and humorous essays have appeared in print and online publications including the Washington Post, Atlantic, Salon, Village Voice, and the New York Times. A self proclaimed Geezer Geek, now in her seventies, she specializes in writing about aging. She’s the author of four books, including her memoir, I’m Old So Why Aren’t I Wise; Snarky Senior in the Sunshine State. You can subscribe to her newsletter at SnarkySenior.com or visit her website at EricaManfred.com
COMMENTS
2 responses to “Moving on From Wordle: New Online Games and Puzzles”
blockables is a fun one, if you like boggle and crossword puzzles
How or where do I learn how to play these games? ~ R
Sign Up for Newsletters
There’s always a lot going on in the Senior Planet universe. Get our newsletters to make sure you never miss a thing!
Sign Up Now
Join Senior Planet Community
Senior Planet Community is our social media platform designed specifically for older adult users. Engage in thought-provoking discussions, make new friends, and share resources all on a safe and ad-free platform.
Join the Conversation Today
Upcoming Online Classes
Calendar of Events
S Sun
M Mon
T Tue
W Wed
T Thu
F Fri
S Sat
0 events,
0 events,
0 events,
2 events,
Discover Live: Galway, Ireland
Discover Live: Galway, Ireland
Join Senior Planet and our tour guides from Discover Live for a virtual visit to Galway, Ireland!
Songwriting Night
Songwriting Night
Join Senior Planet and singer/songwriter Maggie Rothwell to discuss the art of songwriting.
0 events,
5
0 events,
6
0 events,
7
0 events,
8
12 events,
9
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Affordable Home Internet
Affordable Home Internet
This lecture goes over basic information you need to know when signing up for home internet service.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
15 events,
10
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
#AgeFriendly
#AgeFriendly
In this lecture, you’ll learn about the World Health Organization's eight elements of an age-friendly city and what makes a business age friendly.
11 events,
11
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Introduction to Social Media
Introduction to Social Media
Learn about some of the more popular social media sites like Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok and LinkedIn.
防毒和惡意軟體移除程式概覽
防毒和惡意軟體移除程式概覽
擔心病毒和惡意軟體嗎?參加這門講座,了解如何保護您的裝置安全!
15 events,
12
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Understanding Bluetooth
Understanding Bluetooth
We’ll explain Bluetooth technology, how it works, and the way it impacts everyday life.
7 events,
13
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Introduction to TikTok
Introduction to TikTok
This presentation will introduce you to TikTok, its rise to global popularity, and most common features, including privacy settings.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class
0 events,
14
0 events,
15
12 events,
16
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Virtual Activism Against Racism and Police Brutality
Virtual Activism Against Racism and Police Brutality
Learn about tools to help you be a part of the movement and support racial justice!
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
15 events,
17
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Introduction to Sleep Technologies
Introduction to Sleep Technologies
Learn about devices and apps that can help you get more Zzz's
11 events,
18
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Money Matters
Money Matters
This lecture introduces online banking and goes over how to keep your financial information safe.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
14 events,
19
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Using Google Docs Templates for Resumes
Using Google Docs Templates for Resumes
Don't worry about formatting your resume. Let the templates do the work for you!
9 events,
20
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Online Travel Sites
Online Travel Sites
Learn the basics of using online travel sites to find the best fares and rates for just about any destination.
Mobile Health Apps
Mobile Health Apps
*REGISTRATION REQUIRED*
This lecture introduces common health apps, like the iPhone's built-in app and the Google Fit app.
0 events,
21
0 events,
22
13 events,
23
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Intro to Translation Tools
Intro to Translation Tools
This lecture will introduce digital translation tools and apps, such as Google Translate.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
16 events,
24
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Protecting Your Personal Info Online
Protecting Your Personal Info Online
This presentation will cover the ins and outs of how to protect your personal information online.
12 events,
25
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Startup!
Startup!
This lecture gives an overview of some important digital tools to help you get your online business up and running.
線上購物
線上購物
本講座將提供有關使用流行網站 Amazon.com 在線購買從洗碗精到日用雜貨等所有商品的一般介紹。
15 events,
26
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Introduction to Nextdoor
Introduction to Nextdoor
This presentation will introduce you to the most common uses for the Nextdoor app and its main features, along with some best practices for using it safely.
8 events,
27
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
eBay & PayPal
eBay & PayPal
This lecture provides an overview of the popular auction website eBay and the pioneer online payment service PayPal.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
0 events,
28
0 events,
29
13 events,
30
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Mobile Health Apps
Mobile Health Apps
This lecture introduces common health apps, like the iPhone's built-in app and the Google Fit app.
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
13 events,
31
Stronger Bones
Stronger Bones
Activate the joints and muscles and increase mental focus during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Smartphones at a Glance
Smartphones at a Glance
In this lecture you’ll learn about popular smartphones on the market and some of their pros and cons.
11 events,
1
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
語音助理
語音助理
快來了解 Alexa、Siri 和其他語音助理可以為您做什麼!
Fit Fusion Workout
Fit Fusion Workout
Get your heart pumping during this fun, high-energy workout!
15 events,
2
Balance/Strength
Balance/Strength
Activate the joints and muscles to become limber and increase balance during this exercise class.
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Mindfulness Apps
Mindfulness Apps
This lecture introduces mindfulness and its physical and mental benefits, such as reducing anxiety, improving memory, and lowering blood pressure.
7 events,
3
Morning Stretch
Morning Stretch
Start your day with a short morning stretch!
Online Tools for Contacting Your Lawmakers
Online Tools for Contacting Your Lawmakers
Learn how online tools can help you stay informed and get your voice heard.
Tai Chi
Tai Chi
Relax your mind and strengthen your body with this gentle exercise class.
0 events,
4
Discover Live: Galway, Ireland
Songwriting Night
Morning Stretch
Discover Live: Galway, Ireland
Songwriting Night
Morning Stretch
Affordable Home Internet
Fit Fusion Workout
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
#AgeFriendly
Morning Stretch
Introduction to Social Media
防毒和惡意軟體移除程式概覽
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Understanding Bluetooth
Morning Stretch
Introduction to TikTok
Tai Chi
Morning Stretch
Virtual Activism Against Racism and Police Brutality
Fit Fusion Workout
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Introduction to Sleep Technologies
Morning Stretch
Money Matters
Fit Fusion Workout
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Using Google Docs Templates for Resumes
Morning Stretch
Online Travel Sites
Mobile Health Apps
Morning Stretch
Intro to Translation Tools
Fit Fusion Workout
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Protecting Your Personal Info Online
Morning Stretch
Startup!
線上購物
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Introduction to Nextdoor
Morning Stretch
eBay & PayPal
Tai Chi
Morning Stretch
Mobile Health Apps
Fit Fusion Workout
Stronger Bones
Morning Stretch
Smartphones at a Glance
Morning Stretch
語音助理
Fit Fusion Workout
Balance/Strength
Morning Stretch
Mindfulness Apps
Morning Stretch
Online Tools for Contacting Your Lawmakers
Tai Chi
Recent Articles
Recent Comments