Easy card games are good for your health
To keep activities fun and engaging, look for easy card games that older adults can play confidently. This boosts self-esteem and happiness.
Cards are a perfect activity because they’re inexpensive and you don’t need a lot of energy to play. It’s also great for visitors who aren’t sure how to interact with your loved one.
With Go Fish, finding card pairs and deciding which card to ask for helps your loved one practice thinking, judgment, and decision-making. Shuffling, dealing, and moving the cards around exercises their fingers and hands.
✅ Tip for caregivers: Pair Go Fish with light snacks or background music for a relaxed, social atmosphere.
What you’ll need to play Go Fish
You only need two people and a standard deck of playing cards. You can keep the Jokers if you like, those can count as a pair too.
The goal of the game
Make pairs out of the cards in your hand, either by asking the other player for a specific card or by picking up cards from the pile. The player who runs out of cards first wins.
How to play Go Fish
- Deal five cards face down to each person.
- Put the rest of the cards in a pile in the middle of the table.
- Player 1 chooses one of their cards, for example a 7, and asks Player 2 “Do you have a 7?”
- If Player 2 has a 7, they give Player 1 that card. Player 1 takes both 7s from their hand and puts them face down. Player 1 gets to go again since they guessed correctly and got a card from Player 2.
- If Player 2 does not have a 7, they tell Player 1 to “go fish.” Player 1 takes a card from the pile in the middle of the table. Now it’s Player 2’s turn to ask.
- Keep going until somebody makes pairs of all the cards in their hand and wins.
Special cards or a holder
If poor vision or shaky hands is getting in the way of enjoying a card game, try these inexpensive aids:
- Large-size playing cards – here are a few options.
- Large print or large font playing cards – here are a few options, they’re mixed in with large-size cards.
- Free-standing card holder – here are some options.
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Why Go Fish Is a Great Choice for Older Adults
Go Fish is more than a game, it’s an opportunity to support healthy aging. The game encourages memory skills, attention, and decision-making while keeping stress levels low.
For many older adults, the simple rules mean they can play without frustration, even if they have memory loss or mild cognitive changes.
Make It Social
Go Fish works well with family members, friends, or caregivers. It’s especially fun for intergenerational play, giving grandchildren a chance to connect with their grandparents in a relaxed way.
Sharing a game helps reduce loneliness, encourages conversation, and builds a sense of belonging.
Try Variations
If you’d like to change things up, there are a few easy variations:
Themed decks – Choose cards with pictures of animals, flowers, or colors for added interest.
Group play – Add more players and deal seven cards each to make it a bigger game.
Shorter rounds – Play to the first person who collects three pairs to keep games quick and light.
Caregiver Tips
Keep games fun and relaxed, focus on laughter, not competition.
If needed, simplify the rules so your loved one can enjoy the activity without stress.
Set up on a non-slip surface or use a tray to keep cards from sliding around.
Final Thoughts
Adding Go Fish to your loved one’s routine is a small step with big rewards. It strengthens the mind, keeps hands active, and creates meaningful moments together.
About the Author
Connie is the founder of DailyCaring.com and was a hands-on caregiver for her grandmother for 20 years. (Grandma made it to 101 years old!) She knows how challenging, overwhelming, and all-consuming caring for an older adult can be. She also understands the importance of support, especially in the form of practical solutions, valuable resources, and self-care tips.
