“A puzzle a day keeps the doctor away.”

Memory games are fun for seniors and caregivers. Puzzles provide cognitive stimulation for older adults. They invigorate and stimulate the brain.

Puzzles have both cognitive and emotional benefits for people of all ages. They can engage the brain to remember information on colors and shapes. The hunt for solutions can even reinforces short-term memory. Puzzles can engage both sides of the brain, which enhance the ability to learn, understand and remember.

Puzzles can offer skills that are important for emotional health and seniors’ ability to thrive. Brainteasers and puzzles can provide the following:

  • Problem-solving skills
  • Project management skills
  • Self-management skills
  • Visual skills
  • Cognitive skills
  • Tactile skills
  • Social skills
  • Collaborative skills

 

Emotional Benefits

 Completing a puzzle can create a feeling of accomplishment. Solving puzzles on a daily basis can also be a calming activity for older adults. Simply concentrating on solutions can move someone into a meditative state.

Older adults may find themselves with more time on their hands. This extra time can be a positive or negative. Cognitive activities are a productive alternative to sitting in front of the television. Too much time sitting without cognitive stimulation can lead to depression or fatigue.

 

Cognitive Benefits

Puzzles and memory games are a simple way to reinforce existing connections between brain cells. Jigsaw puzzles are good tools for short-term memory, as older adults have to remember shapes, colors and visualize the bigger picture.

Going through the trial and error process exercises the brain, it can increase concentration power, optimism, confidence, and an enhanced recollection.

 

Puzzles and memory exercises can be one-on-one or even group activities. If the puzzle feels too childish, don’t go with it. The goal is to engage your elderly loved one. Depending on your loved one’s condition, you may need large puzzle pieces or larger text. However, individuals with advanced dementia or Alzheimer’s may need more simplistic formats. It may also be beneficial to choose puzzles or memory games based around familiar subjects or places.

Onyx Home Care sends out puzzles every month to subscribers. We provide printable crosswords, mazes and even puzzles that can be cut out or colored, every month. Simply use the button below to receive cognitive and memory building puzzles each month.