Did you know that playing cards have been around since at least the 10th century? Card games are a great way to bond with others, sharpen your mind, and improve manual dexterity. When you live with a vision impairment, however, how are you supposed to play cards when you can’t see what’s on the cards?
Enter: low vision playing cards. These cards are usually printed with large numbers and symbols, feature high-contrast coloring, or have Braille printed on them. Their bold and bright nature makes it easier for folks with limited or impaired sight to play their favorite card games. Whether you’re playing a round of crazy eights with the family, enjoying a peaceful game of solitaire, or are going head to head in a match of rummy, playing cards bring people together and help actively boost focus and cognitive function.
You might think I’m pulling your leg, but it’s completely true! Researchers at The University of Edinburgh Centre for Cognitive Ageing and Cognitive Epidemiology concur that playing non-digital card games can help improve brain function and memory, especially for those 70 and older. Additionally, card games were linked to bettered processing speed and memory ability/retention.
No matter your vision ability, you can enjoy a fun and rewarding game of cards that keeps your mind strong well into old age. Now, the hardest part of playing cards is worrying about what hand to play!