Large-Print Games and Puzzles for Seniors

How we wrote this guide

We have not played, tested or reviewed any game or puzzle, and we earn nothing from what you buy: no affiliate links, no sponsored listings, no brand picks. The print standards below come from the American Printing House for the Blind's research-based large-print guidelines; the vision tips come from the National Eye Institute (NEI); the audio-book information comes from the Library of Congress National Library Service. We describe formats and features only. Games here are suggested for enjoyment and company, not as treatment for any condition.

What counts as large print

The American Printing House (APH) guidelines set a clear line: a document is not truly large print unless the font is 18 points or larger. Text between 12 and 18 points is "enlarged print," which does not meet the standard. APH also recommends:

• Plain fonts without serifs (the small strokes at the ends of letters). It lists APHont, Verdana, Tahoma and Helvetica among acceptable fonts.
• No gray. Gray text or gray paper is not recommended for anyone with low vision.
• Bold rather than italics, since italics are hard for many people with low vision to read.
• Paper that limits glare. Black on white gives the most contrast, but white can glare; ivory, light beige or pastel yellow paper with black or navy text are listed alternatives.
• Careful color pairs. Red with green, red with black, navy with black and white with yellow should not sit side by side.

Use these as a checklist when you look at a box, a sample page or a product photo. If the font size is not stated, compare it with something you know is 18 point.

Large-print games and puzzles compared

Cost labels are qualitative because we have not priced products.

Lighting, magnifiers and contrast at the table

The right game is only half of it. The NEI suggests these changes for people with minor vision loss:

• Use brighter lights at home.
• Wear anti-glare sunglasses where glare is a problem.
• Use a magnifying lens for reading and other close-up tasks.
• On phones, tablets and computers, raise contrast and text size, or turn on read-aloud.

For game time, a solid dark tablecloth under light-colored cards or tiles adds contrast, and a lamp placed to the side avoids glare off glossy puzzle books. The NEI notes that low vision is more common in older adults because the diseases causing it, such as macular degeneration, cataracts, diabetic retinopathy and glaucoma, are more common with age, but that aging alone does not cause it.

How to choose large-print games for an older relative

1. Start with what they already enjoy. A large-print version of a familiar game is easier to pick up than a new set of rules.
2. Check their vision now, not a year ago. Central vision loss, peripheral vision loss, night blindness and blur (the types NEI lists) affect games differently. A grid puzzle may be hard with central loss, while a card held close may still work.
3. Think about hands. Thick cards, card holders and chunky pieces help if fingers are stiff.
4. Count the players. Solo puzzle books fill quiet time; cards and bingo need company.
5. Keep it short. A 30-minute game that ends well beats a long one abandoned halfway.

Make it easier: fewer cards in hand, a card holder, larger bingo markers, a puzzle with fewer pieces. Make it harder: add a timer, play a full game rather than one round, or move to a word puzzle with more clues.

Safety: small puzzle pieces, counters and bingo chips can be a choking risk for someone who puts objects in their mouth. Pick larger pieces and supervise if that is a concern.

When print stops working: free audio and braille

NLS, the Library of Congress talking-book and braille service, is a free library of braille and audio books. It serves U.S. residents who cannot read or handle regular print because of temporary or permanent visual or physical limitations, including people whose visual disability, with correction, is certified as preventing them from reading standard print. Applications go through a local network library and need certification by a qualifying professional. To find the library, call 888-NLS-READ (888-657-7323). Audio books and magazines can sit alongside spoken quizzes and word games played with a family member or companion.

When to talk to an eye doctor

If someone can no longer see well enough to read, recognize faces or tell colors apart, the NEI says they may have low vision, which a dilated eye exam can check. If vision loss is getting in the way of everyday activities, ask the eye doctor about vision rehabilitation. NEI describes it as including training with magnifying devices, setting up the home, and adjusting phone and computer settings. Its vision rehabilitation page lists assistive products such as lighting and reading stands, and notes that occupational therapists and orientation and mobility specialists may join the care team. MedlinePlus adds that early warning signs include trouble seeing the television clearly or telling colors apart, even with glasses on.

Playing with a companion caregiver

Most of these games are better with another person. A companion caregiver can deal cards, call bingo, read clues aloud and keep a regular game afternoon going on weekdays when family is at work. Posting that kind of job on CaregiverConnect is free. Caregivers respond, you meet them, and you become their employer; references and any background check are up to you (safety checklist). See caregivers close to you, and see easy games for seniors for rules and ideas.

Frequently asked questions

Sources

1. American Printing House, Large print guidelines (page and research-based guidelines document)
2. American Printing House, Research-Based Large Print Guidelines (DOCX)
3. National Eye Institute, Low vision
4. Library of Congress NLS, Apply for NLS services and eligibility
5. Library of Congress, National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled
6. National Eye Institute, Vision rehabilitation
7. MedlinePlus, Vision impairment and blindness