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If you’ve read our previous posts about brain games you’ve likely come to the conclusion that brain games not only have many benefits, but also utilize more than just one part of our brains. Did you realize, however, that brain games also utilize numerous parts of the body? Think about it. Whether you’re dealing a round of cards, checking your Bingo numbers or refereeing an electronic game of Rock, Paper, Scissors numerous parts of your body will interact with the game. That’s why we thought it was important to not just focus on the mental capabilities and cognitive shortcomings that brain games address, but on the physical skills and ailments as well. When brain games are looked at from a physical standpoint it becomes clear that they can be broken down into two categories: those that are designed for people with these ailments and those that are designed to improve these ailments. After trolling a plethora of well-respected health, medical and elder-focused sites we compiled a list of the top senior ailments and how their relationship to brain games. Accommodating Poor Vision Those with poor vision should look for brain games with oversized fonts, pictures and icons. Many popular puzzle, playing card and board game manufacturers make their products in large-print versions, making it easier for people to not only see the game pieces, but to grasp them as well. Extra Large Print Playing Cards — 2 Deck Gift Set Preventing Poor Vision Nature Neuroscience published a study this past March that noted how action video games can train one’s brightness perception, thereby increasing vision. Brightness perception is also linked to common tasks like driving at night and finding objects in a cluttered space. Most action video games involve combat, or shoot’em-up, scenarios, including Call of Duty, World of Warcraft, Medal of Honor and Fallout. Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2 Accommodating Arthritis Sufferers Any brain game can become impossible or possible to play based on its settings and controller. Most gaming controllers contain buttons smaller than your fingerprints and a short, sensitive paddle or joystick. Even computer games, which assign certain commands to various keys, can be difficult for those with arthritis. The game’s default setting usually adds even more sensitivity to the controller, causing every little bump or shake to affect the character on screen. Therefore, it’s important for sufferers to purchase a controller that’s accommodating to them. This could mean a controller with a toggle on/off button, which allows the player to lock in a function like shoot, or one that can be easily controlled by one hand or another part of the body, such as the forearm or forehead. Most controllers that utilize alternative body parts must be purchased through a specialty store. However, those who can easily alleviate their pain and problem by favoring one hand will love the Nintendo Wii’s Wireless Playchuck Pro. It’s ergonomically designed, comes with a comfort-grip handle and can be used by both left- and right-handed players. Nintendo Wii Wireless Playchuk Pro Arthritis Today magazine notes that there are many video games that provide exercise, which can prevent arthritic flare-ups. They include Dance, Dance Revolution, as well as a number of games made for the Wii and the Wii Fit, including bowling, tennis, boxing, golf and balance games. If you’re looking for something that incorporates elements of competition and strategy pair your golfing, boxing or bowling skills against the computer or another Wii player. Arthritis Today advises sufferers to begin this physical activity slowly, in 15- to 20-minute intervals three times a week. After that you can adjust your routine based on your comfort and pain level. Also remember to avoid games that place a lot of emphasis on painful joints. Tiger Woods PGA Tour 10