The Benefits Of Puzzles For Seniors

Senior Fun

August 8, 2023

There are many ways in which we can help our grandparents, moms, dads, or any senior in our lives exercise their brains as they age. One of the best ways to do this is through puzzles.

Recent studies show that seniors who engage in brain-challenging activities, such as puzzles, are associated with lower risks of dementia symptoms occurring later in life and can reduce the onset of dementia by two and a half years.

What Are The Benefits Of Puzzles For My Parents?

Short-Term Memory Improvement

As your parent focuses on a puzzle, their brain produces dopamine. Dopamine is a chemical that regulates mood, memory, and concentration. Not only will puzzle solving help with your parents’ short-term memory, it can also help their mood!

Opportunity To Socialize

Puzzles provide many opportunities for your seniors to sit down with family or friends and work through the challenge together. Many conversations can occur as the puzzle gets solved, which can result in new friends, tighter bonds, and will bring joy to their day.

Lower Stress Levels

As your mom, dad, or senior focuses on a puzzle, it is likely that they will start to feel more at ease. Puzzles can be a distraction from other thoughts, which can result in less anxiety and stress.

Visual Perception

As the senior in your life works through a puzzle, they are having to remember shapes, colors, and images to match each piece together. This significantly improves visual perception and sharpens their brains.

Exercises Left and Right Brain

Puzzles can exercise your parents’ left and right brains as both sides have different roles while solving a puzzle. The left side uses logical tendencies to focus on patterns and sequences, while the right brain uses its creativity to match colors and sees the big picture, goal, and end game.

One of the most difficult parts in helping the senior in your life with these benefits is finding the right resources. We have made this easier for you by providing some resources below with different puzzles to choose from.
For more tips on caring for your loved ones, head back to the Tailored Home Care blog.