Do Word Games Make You Smarter?

You’ve probably been living under a rock if you haven’t heard about the latest puzzle game sweeping the nation. Wordle is a daily online puzzle game that challenges players to guess a five-letter word in six tries or less. Whether you’re a Wordle enthusiast or just a casual player, there’s no doubt you feel a sense of accomplishment when you solve the daily word.

But can solving a daily crossword puzzle or playing a word game like Wordle actually make your smarter? The answer is no, but they are great for your brain health! Puzzles and games, especially those that are new and exciting, can stimulate and challenge key parts of your brain that help in problem-solving, memory, cognition and creativity. It’s important to challenge yourself with new problem-solving exercises, especially as you grow older.

Researchers found that adults older than 50 who regularly play word games perform better at tasks testing their memory, reasoning and attention skills. It’s estimated that people who play word games have brain function equivalent to those nearly a decade younger than them. One study found that living a “cognitively active” lifestyle, which includes playing puzzle games, could delay Alzheimer’s disease by five years. Any activity that is fun and engaging is good for us, when compared to passive activities like watching television.

If playing Wordle isn’t really your cup of tea, there are other activities you can do to boost your brain function: problem-solving activities, dancing, singing, playing musical instruments, and sports can all provide your brain with the challenge that it needs!