People of all ages, for the most part, enjoy puzzles and other similar pastimes. They can provide health benefits as well as fun, in many cases. When an individual focuses on a puzzle, they can unplug from daily stresses and strains. It helps them calm their mood and their mind, and allows them to center better.
Whether your loved one prefers sudoku and other brainteasers, crossword puzzles, traditional jigsaw puzzles, or something else, the health benefits of puzzles should not be ignored. Let’s look at why puzzles are so beneficial for those in their golden years.
Note: Activities such as dances, special events, holiday celebrations, themed parties, and more are another great source of inspiration, socialization, and fun.
The Benefits of Puzzles
As just mentioned, different types of puzzles provide various benefits for retirement age individuals. Here are some of the benefits they can enjoy through puzzles of one kind or another:
- Social interaction is encouraged (when they puzzle with others)
- Mood boosting
- Problem-solving skills improve
- Stress relief
- Memory improvement
- Cognitive function is boosted
- Reasoning and logic can be sharpened
Here are a few more advantages for the use of puzzles for older adults:
- They can be purchased almost anywhere.
- They can be worked on almost anywhere.
- Many puzzles keep fine motor skills sharper.
- Grandchildren can join in the fun.
Individuals who engage in puzzles during the day may even sleep better at night!
Preferred Puzzling
The following are puzzles which tend to be more preferable where retirement age individuals are concerned:
- Mazes
- Fill in the blank
- Crossword
- Word search
- Jigsaws
- Sudoku
- Word search and other vocabulary games
Note: For many of today’s games, large print versions are available. Particularly for older adults, this is a real plus.
Puzzles And More Puzzles
For those in their golden years, a variety of physical, emotional, and mental benefits can be provided by different types of puzzles. What’s more, either with others or all alone, they are a wonderful way to pass the time and can be incredibly entertaining. Hours of delight, enrichment, entertainment, and a challenge can be provided by the various kinds of puzzles available. There are so many to choose from, the hardest part could be choosing just one.
To stave off mental effects that may be age-related, the primary use of puzzles is nothing new. But their benefits extend so much further than just that. Puzzles can help people connect with others and may even be responsible for helping to develop meaningful relationships. Depending on the type of puzzle involved, physical aspects can range from minor finger movements to more complicated moves that improve or maintain dexterity.
To keep mental focus sharp and active, even picking up a simple word book for your loved one could prove beneficial, challenging, invigorating, enlightening, and more. Never underestimate the power of puzzling – particularly when it comes to your aging loved one.
Puzzles and Other Games Can Be Found at Rittenhouse Village At Lehigh Valley
Crafts, puzzles, games, and other activities abound at Rittenhouse Village at Lehigh Valley. There’s always something to do, no matter who you are or what you like. Socialize with others or do an activity on your own – whichever you prefer.
If you’d like some information about our extraordinary retirement community, please call us at 610.433.9220. For sales and leasing inquiries, you can phone us at 484.212.6577. Better yet, schedule a tour to see for yourself what we have to offer.
