Playing  Solitaire can actually improve memory, reflexes, focus, competitive spirit  and mood

As many of us get older we start to feel like are minds are not what they used to be . The truth is the brain changes with age and this starts to  impact how well it works over time. To keep your brain mentally sharp there are many things involving both diet and exercise you can to but for most of us its keeping the mind active that can preserve your mental abilities as you get older.

Playing Solitaire is on of those things and it can can positively affect you and your mental health . Playing  Solitaire can actually improve memory, reflexes, focus, competitive spirit  and mood.  Solitaire is a mental exercise , and like physical exercise that keeps our bodies in shape, mental exercises like Solitaire keep our mind in tip top form. 

I have often read that the key to maintaining brain health as you grow older is to constantly learn new things. While the scientific debate rages on over the effect of game playing  ,one school of  thought is that playing any type of puzzle game that involves quick thinking will help improve memory. 

One of those games is Solitaire and playing Solitaire is a simple and fun way to exercise your mind . Some studies indicate  that players can actually learn, cycle, store and review information  faster than non-players.  Developing short-term memory, patience ,strategic thinking, and focus are among the mental advantages of playing Solitaire. This is because when playing Solitaire, you frequently need to recall the groupings of cards, knowing what cards are still likely to be in the stockpile and planning your next moves accordingly .

As a history buff  I learned that Solitaire emerged in the 1700s from northern Europe. In Germany, Sweden, France and Russia there are references in literature to a game called “Patience”. “Patients” is the earliest recorded name for Solitaire. Although English, the word “patience” is of French origin and indicates that the game required a patient temperament in order to play it well. Something I certainly need to practice. By the mid-19th century, Solitaire was popular in French high society, and England’s Prince Albert was a well known Solitaire  enthusiast. The game however did not make its way across the Atlantic to the United State until after the Civil War in the 1870 where it became known as Solitaire.

I play at a very beginner level and for me I like the classic Solitaire game and while it’s deceptively simple ,it does take time to truly master the art of Solitaire . I use  Solitaire.org, a site for gamers offering many options to play Solitaire . From the classic Solitaire game to hundreds of unique types of Solitaire. The site offers players a wide variety of tracking tools to enhance their gaming experience .The games are timed, but the timer does not start until after you move your first card. Your gameplay stats include your win loss ratio. You can even get a do-over If you get a new deal you do not like you can simply click on the new button to deal again without impacting your stats. If you do not like a particular deal or are stuck on a game you can click the new button near the top center of the screen to just deal another hand.

The site Solitaire.org also offers other games , both card games like Vegas Poker which allows you to play with up to five computer opponents and non card games like word games, hidden object games, logic puzzles ,match 3 games ,and Mahjong.

I have found that playing Solitaire has positively impacted my brain and mental health . Playing  Solitaire seems to actually improve my memory, reflexes, focus, competitive spirit  and mood.  Solitaire is clearly a mental exercise , and like physical exercises that keep the body in shape, mental exercises like Solitaire keep your mind clear and  in tip top form.

The site allows you to click directly and open up a game on your screen or just stay on the site on your phone and both are wonderfully ad free. 

Finally I enjoy a quick game on my morning commute or a game to distract me after a difficult day , it seems to declutter my brain and settle my thoughts .

When you start a game of Solitaire, it’s just you and the game. The goal is simply ,win the game in the shortest time possible. A very welcome change from the complexities of daily life. For me, tuning out the many of life’s distractions and concentrating on just one thing for however short an amount of time is very refreshing.