Skip to main content

If you’re active on social media, you’ve likely come across stacks of green, yellow, black, and white squares on your feed, with comments that are either celebratory or full of despair. These squares and the subsequent feelings that trigger them are all related to Wordle, the free word game that’s taken over the world.

The rules of Wordle are fairly simple, and the aim is to guess the daily five-letter word, with color-coded blocks incorporated into the game to help you figure out the word. Now, while this may seem like another internet fad that will likely lose momentum in a month or two, we should point out that playing Wordle a day can help to put the doctor away because word games are great for your longevity.

Benefits of Playing Word Games Like Wordle

1.Β Enhances brain health

If you really want to give your brain a boost, then might we suggest playing a daily word game like Wordle and scrabble?

According to aΒ studyΒ published in theΒ International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry, adults over the age of 50 who regularly enjoy word games and brain games end up improving their memory and attention, as well as the executive function of the brain and information processing.

2. May help reduce the risk of dementia

Just over 54 million people worldwide have dementia, and as there is currently no cure for the condition, a lot of emphasis is placed on preventing and reducing one’s risk of developing the disease.

According to a studyΒ published last year in Neurology,Β living a “cognitively active” lifestyle could delay Alzheimer’s disease by five years. One of these cognitive lifestyle habits includes brain games.

Dr. Anne Corbett is from the University of Exeter Medical School, and she was the lead author of the previously mentioned study published in the International Journal of Geriatric Psychiatry.

While she does caution against the notion that brain games can prevent dementia, she points outΒ the importance of acknowledging their benefits on our cognitive capabilities;

β€œWe can’t say that playing these puzzles necessarily reduces the risk of dementia in later life, but this research supports previous findings that indicate regular use of word and number puzzles helps keep our brains working better for longer.”

How else can I boost my brain health?

Wordle is a nice and easy way to boost your brain health. However, it’s not the only way to do so. If you really want to keep your brain young and sharp, then might we suggest:

  • Playing other brain games like scrabble, crosswords, and even puzzles
  • Regularly exercising
  • Consuming a plant-based diet
  • Managing your stress levels
  • Staying clear of alcohol and tobacco
  • Maintaining healthy social connections

Want to know more?

We often laugh about the difference between the two sexes. Yet, there may be an extra burden on the brain health of women. In fact, it appears that women are at a higher risk for brain diseases and disorders.

References

Brooker, H., Wesnes, K. A., Ballard, C., Hampshire, A., Aarsland, D., Khan, Z., Stenton, R., McCambridge, L., & Corbett, A. (2019). An online investigation of the relationship between the frequency of word puzzle use and cognitive function in a large sample of older adults.Β International journal of geriatric psychiatry,Β 34(7), 921–931. https://doi.org/10.1002/gps.5033

Pie Mulumba

Pie Mulumba

Pie Mulumba is a journalist graduate and writer, specializing in health, beauty, and wellness. She also has a passion for poetry, equality, and natural hair. Identifiable by either her large afro or colorful locks, Pie aspires to provide the latest information on how one can adopt a healthy lifestyle and leave a more equitable society behind.

Longevity Live is a digital publisher AND DOES NOT OFFER PERSONAL HEALTH OR MEDICAL ADVICE. IF YOU’RE FACING A MEDICAL EMERGENCY, CALL YOUR LOCAL EMERGENCY SERVICES IMMEDIATELY, OR VISIT THE NEAREST EMERGENCY ROOM OR URGENT CARE CENTER. YOU SHOULD CONSULT YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER BEFORE STARTING ANY NUTRITION, DIET, EXERCISE, FITNESS, MEDICAL, OR WELLNESS PROGRAM.

This content, developed through collaboration with licensed medical professionals and external contributors, including text, graphics, images, and other material contained on the website, apps, newsletter, and products (β€œContent”), is general in nature and for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice; the Content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

Always consult your doctor or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition, procedure, or treatment, whether it is a prescription medication, over-the-counter drug, vitamin, supplement, or herbal alternative.

Longevity Live makes no guarantees about the efficacy or safety of products or treatments described in any of our posts. Any information on supplements, related services and drug information contained in our posts are subject to change and are not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects.

Longevity does not recommend or endorse any specific test, clinician, clinical care provider, product, procedure, opinion, service, or other information that may be mentioned on Longevity’s websites, apps, and Content.