Research has found time and time again that older people greatly benefit from doing puzzles. A study published in BioMed Center’s journal BMC Medicine found that when older people regularly do puzzles, they boost their memory and improve reasoning. They can even reduce the cognitive decline, especially the onset of dementia.
How Puzzles Help
The human mind has two separate hemispheres: a right and left one. The right brain governs emotions and the left governs linear functions. It’s only when you’re able to use both hemispheres that you will be really benefiting your mind. That’s exactly what puzzles do for you.
While the left side of your brain will be in charge of figuring out puzzles, the right side will become upset or happy when you do or don’t figure them out. As much as you don’t want to admit it, you do become emotionally invested in the puzzles you do.
Besides the mental and emotional benefits of puzzles, there are also spiritual ones. Since you are focusing on the same puzzles for a long period of time, it can produce a meditative state. This meditative state can relax you and give you peace of mind. When you do this on a regular basis, you will improve your wellness. You’ll have a better sense of clarity and you’ll feel achievement, which will lift your mood and keep you well for the rest of the day.
Where to Find Puzzles to Benefit the Elderly
You’ve likely seen puzzles in store around your local community. However, since many seniors are unable to get out as much as they would like to, there are easier ways to buy them – online. You can find many puzzles on sites such as Amazon, but there are some sites that are selling puzzles specifically for people with dementia. These puzzles often have large pieces, which can help seniors suffering with this age-related illness complete the puzzles while still receiving all of the benefiting of completing them.
Some sites you can use to purchase senior puzzles are:
Memory Jogging Puzzles - Not only does this site have a catalog of puzzles to choose from, but they have a lot of great information on how puzzles help seniors.
The Alzheimer’s Store – This site has puzzles, but also has other types of activities such as Plumbers Pal Pipes.
Mind Start – This site has puzzles, but also books, games, activities, art, and more for people with dementia and Alzheimer’s.
Puzzles Benefit the Elderly: Tips for Caregivers
A fun activity to do with your senior loved one is to browse all of the scenes that you can get in puzzles. The more that people like the scene they are creating, the more engaging they will be with the puzzle.
While you don’t have to do the puzzles with your loved one every single time, it is something that you can do sometimes. It’s the perfect activity that will bring you closer together and will benefit both of you.
Contact Kendall Van Blarcom for More Ideas
As a personal consultant, I help seniors and their caregivers incorporate things into their life that will benefit them. I help improve people’s lives, so they can live happier and healthier. Learn more about personal consulting session here or schedule an appointment here.
