When Palos Verdes High School student Maxwell Park first imagined Brain Games, his hope was to brighten the days of seniors in his community — giving them social connection, mental stimulation, and a reason to smile through friendly gameplay.
The idea grew from both personal and scientific inspiration. Last summer, Max participated in the Summer Biomedical Research Fellowship at The Lundquist Institute, studying how fructose affects neural stem cells in early brain development. That work opened his eyes to a larger truth: what we do, eat, and experience throughout life plays a vital role in cognitive health.
At home, Max watched his grandparents face gradual memory loss. Seeing moments of frustration up close — and the joy that returned through simple interaction — made him more aware of the importance of daily mental engagement and companionship for seniors.
His volunteer work deepened that understanding. At the Palos Verdes Community Helpline, he learned how powerful simple presence can be for those experiencing loneliness. As a hospital volunteer, solving crossword puzzles, unraveling word games and playing cards with patients, he saw how even a single game of Uno could uplift someone during a vulnerable time.
Brain Games combines all of these experiences. The program provides structured opportunities for intergenerational play — where activities like Scattergories, chess, card games, and Hedbanz help sharpen memory recall, attention, organization, and strategic thinking, while also sparking laughter and positive emotional connection.
The program has grown thanks to a meaningful partnership with PVE-CARES, the Palos Verdes Estates Police Department’s senior support initiative, which helps older adults maintain independence, social connection, and security as they age. With their support, Brain Games reaches more seniors who may otherwise experience isolation — a factor closely linked to cognitive decline and health risks.
Max is also studying the mental and emotional effects of Brain Games for his AP Research project, aiming to refine the program with evidence-based activities that maximize both cognitive benefit and participant enjoyment. His brother, Oscar, a Psychobiology major at UCLA, has joined the effort — working alongside Max to expand the program and its volunteer team.
What began as one student’s desire to support his grandparents has become a growing community effort to help local seniors stay mentally active and socially connected — one game, one laugh, and one shared moment at a time.
Join the Next Brain Games Session!
Connection and play are powerful ingredients for lifelong brain health. Brain Games brings seniors together for social engagement and fun cognitive activities at the Peninsula Center Library’s Conference Room. If you or a loved one would like to participate in future gatherings, please reach out — we’d love to connect with you!
Registration Required
Email: [email protected]
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Hosted in partnership with:
• Palos Verdes Estates Police Department & PVE-CARES: Community Assistance & Resource for the Elderly and Seniors
