People who play board games and BINGO in their 70s stand a better chance of staying mentally sharp

People who regularly play non-digital games such as Bingo, chess, cards or crosswords in their 70s could enjoy better cognitive ability later in life, finds study. Psychologists at the University of Edinburgh found that those who routinely played the games scored better on memory and thinking tests than non-players. The team tested 1000 people aged 70 for memory, problem solving, thinking speed and general thinking ability - the same people were tested every three years until they reached 79. People who increased game playing from ages 70 to 76 were more likely to maintain certain thinking skills as they grew older. The study also found that a behaviour change in later life could still make a difference.