How Does Solving Puzzles Help the Elderly?

Senior citizens can also enjoy the mental stimulation of solving puzzles to keep their brains healthy and sharp. Keeping the brain active can be carried out through various activities such as memory games for improving memory, exciting puzzles, or traditional card games. Hence, this article answers, “How do solving puzzles help the elderly?”

On National Puzzle Day, we want to share the positive effects of playing these puzzles that could help improve cognitive health in seniors!

Different Types of Puzzles for the Elderly

• Scrabble board: This classic word game is played on squares marked with letter tiles. Games such as Scrabble are excellent for increasing brainpower for the elderly.
• Crossword puzzle: is one of the most popular puzzle games enjoyed worldwide by millions of people. Crosswords can be found easily in your local newspaper. A crossword puzzle while sipping hot coffee can be an ideal time pass for your senior.
• Sudoku puzzle: Sudoku is a popular logic-based number puzzle played worldwide y many fans. Without a  doubt a healthy number game of logic and reasoning without guesswork.
• Jigsaw puzzles: A popular board puzzle consisting of small randomly cut pieces fit together to form a picture. In addition, there are extra-large pieces puzzles available, especially for adults who have Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Benefits of Playing Puzzles

Puzzles are a great source of engagement and entertainment for seniors. They without a doubt provide the opportunity to exercise their fingers and minds and feel a sense of accomplishment. Hence seniors suffering from dementia and mobility issues can still have fun with puzzles.

Entertainment

Above all, One of the most important points of playing puzzles is it provides good entertainment for your senior. A good board game can be entertaining for the elderly and provide relief from stress.

Family Time

The best way to spend quality time with family is by playing puzzles. Especially for grandparents, it can be a perfect opportunity to bond with the younger generation while also improving their learning skills!

Elderly Mental Health

Board games are a fantastic way to keep your brain healthy! Above all, puzzles help reduce the risk for cognitive declines such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. Hence keeping elders engaged is the best way to avoid mental illness.

Puzzles can keep your brain healthy and sharp, and puzzles are an excellent way of doing so. Puzzles help develop a stronger cognitive reserve.

Therapy Treatment

Playing with jigsaw puzzles helps fine motor skills and is important for the elderly with dementia or physical limitations.

Problem-Solving Skills

The ability to solve problems creatively and think critically is a skill that helps the elderly. Puzzles teach them to help with patience while developing critical thinking abilities.

Lowers Blood Pressure

Laughing and playing games together can help you lower seniors’ blood pressure. The release of endorphins will cause muscles to relax, lowering our body’s need for circulation. It means less risk or complications from high cholesterol diseases like heart disease and stroke!

Delay Dementia and Alzheimer’s Disease

Delay dementia and Alzheimer’s disease by keeping your brain active with puzzles! Studies show that challenging the mind can reduce some of those nasty symptoms. It also helps keep new nerve cells growing, good for short-term memory retention.

Develops Teamwork

Puzzles are a great way to break the ice and get elders to socialize with their friends. Studies have proven them as an effective form of communication that builds collaboration, creativity, and innovation. Hence playing puzzles with friends help them develop a good rapport and teamwork.

Promotes Mindfulness

Elders can practice mindfulness by doing crossword puzzles to help them be more mindful of what is happening around them. In particular, mindfulness can effectively fight chronic stress, leading to various health problems like heart disease or diabetes.

Online Games

The internet provides a vast range of resources for online games that are designed to entertain senior citizens. It is most important to read the reviews or try the game yourself before purchasing it. Above all else, ensure these enjoyable types so that your elderly don’t lose interest. January 6th is National technology day, and this can be a great opportunity to introduce technology to your senior.

• adult brain puzzles
• MultiPopword
•  Crossword puzzle from AARP
• Scrabble game

In-Home Caregivers Help Keep Seniors Alert

Home Care Powered by AUAF caregivers can assist clients with activities that help maintain and improve their cognitive skills. Activities include:

Playing Board Games

Everyone loves to play a good board game. As much as they are entertaining they also have major health benefits, including relieving stress and combating memory loss and depression. In addition, board games can enhance memory formation and help exercise cognitive skills. They can also be low-stress and calming.

Working on Puzzles

Puzzles are fun and a great source of engagement and entertainment for seniors. A point always overlooked is that they’ll have the opportunity to exercise their fingers and minds and feel a sense of accomplishment.

Our core mission is to ensure our clients’ healthy lifestyles and well-being. Call us today at 773-274-9262 and ask how Home Care Powered by AUAF can help with your companionship needs.