Esther C. Kane, C.D.S.Jigsaw puzzles are often seen as a leisure activity for people of all ages including seniors, but there are some amazing benefits of puzzles, specifically for older adults.
From improving cognitive functions to providing a sense of accomplishment, jigsaw puzzles can be a great way to keep your mind sharp as you age. They are considered one of the better brain exercises for seniors.
Marcel Danesi, a professor of semiotics at the University of Toronto, and the author of The Puzzle Instinct: The Meaning of Puzzles in Human Life, says, “They are a form of escape. Once you are concentrated on doing a puzzle, it seems the outside world recedes temporarily. You immerse yourself into the intricacy of the puzzle and forget about everything else
chartwell.com
Jigsaw puzzles don’t just provide a mental escape; they are also great for improving your mental speed.
Solving jigsaw puzzles can improve cognitive functioning and help you think faster by challenging your brain to focus and remember details quickly, such as finding the pieces that fit together best and what goes where.
Jigsaw puzzles are a type of problem-solving activity that require the person to focus on the task at hand, remember the various pieces, and put them together in a logical order. This type of challenge can help keep the mind active and healthy as we age.
How Many Puzzle Pieces Should A Senior Have?
The number of puzzle pieces that a senior should use depends on the difficulty of the jigsaw puzzle and their level of experience. Beginners may want to start with an easier 500-piece jigsaw puzzle, while experienced puzzlers could tackle 1,000 or more pieces.
Another option is to choose puzzles with varying levels of difficulty, so seniors can switch up the challenge as they progress.
It’s also important to take into consideration any physical limitations seniors may have when selecting puzzle pieces.
If there is a physical impairment, such as arthritis or poor vision, seniors should look for puzzles with larger pieces that are easier to handle and see. Many jigsaw puzzles come in different sizes and shapes, so it’s easy to find a puzzle that suits their individual needs.
If there is a cognitive impairment, such as dementia or Alzheimer’s disease, puzzles with 100 pieces or less may be better.
When it comes to choosing the right number of pieces, think about how much time seniors have available and how quickly they can complete puzzles.
If they’re able to finish a 500-piece jigsaw in an hour, then perhaps 1,000 pieces is a better fit. But if they’re only able to finish one in a couple of days, then 500 would probably be the better choice.
Finally, consider the difficulty level of puzzles. Seniors may enjoy occasional challenges, but puzzles that are too difficult can quickly become frustrating.
Look for puzzles that are labeled easy or moderate – these will usually provide the perfect level of challenge for seniors.
There’s no one-size-fits-all answer to how many pieces a senior should have in their puzzle, but the tips above can help you decide what might be best for your loved one.
With the right number and difficulty level of pieces, your senior will get plenty of enjoyment from puzzling. And, of course, don’t forget to join in the fun yourself! After all, puzzles are more fun with friends.
What Types Of Jigsaw Puzzles Are Best For Seniors With Dementia?
For seniors with early-stage dementia, jigsaw puzzles can be a great way to help stimulate their brain function. The repetitiveness of putting pieces together helps them focus on the task at hand and keep their motor skills sharp.
Puzzles that are simple enough for dementia patients to complete in an hour or two is ideal so they don’t become overwhelmed or frustrated.
Many puzzles that are specifically designed for seniors with dementia have large pieces and colorful designs, making them easier to assemble without feeling too challenging.
Relish Jigsaw Puzzle For Dementia Patients
Picture or word puzzles can also be beneficial in helping them recall memories or learn new concepts.
Ultimately, the best type of jigsaw puzzle for seniors with dementia will depend on their individual needs.
Some general tips for seniors throughout all stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease:
- Puzzles with large pieces and vibrant colors are recommended for those who may have difficulty with their fine motor skills or vision. It’s also important to pick puzzles that have interesting images and themes so they can engage the person more fully.
- For example, a puzzle with an animal theme can encourage the senior to talk about their life experiences, like camping trips or trips to the zoo.
- Puzzles with fewer pieces (typically 50-100) are best since they may become frustrated if it’s too big of a challenge.
- It’s also important to make sure that all pieces are present so that seniors can complete the task.
Tips for seniors in the middle stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease:
- Jigsaw puzzles with 60 pieces or less are better.
- Simple images and patterns vs. a very image or pattern is also better suited.
35 Piece Jigsaw Puzzle
Older adults in the late stages of dementia or Alzheimer’s disease are unable to do jigsaw puzzles.
With these tips in mind, jigsaw puzzles can be an enjoyable challenge for seniors with dementia and even give them a sense of accomplishment when they finish!
What Skills Do Jigsaw Puzzles Develop In Adults?
I personally use jigsaw puzzles as a way to relax. It’s a simple activity that does not require a lot of equipment or too much space. In addition, I enjoy the challenge.
Note: Did you know that people who enjoy jigsaw puzzles are called Dissectologists!
Adults who find themselves drawn to jigsaw puzzles may be surprised to learn that these classic brainteasers can provide more than simple entertainment.
Here are some of the great skills that jigsaw puzzles can help to develop in older adults.
- Puzzles are a great way to spark creativity, improve problem-solving skills and work on fine motor skills.
- Jigsaw puzzles can help adults develop visual perception and recognition skills by requiring them to recognize patterns in order to assemble the pieces.
- As an adult works on a puzzle, they must keep track of the small details and consider how each piece fits together with the whole picture. This encourages adults to focus on the task at hand and use their short-term memory while they try different combinations in search of a solution.
- Problem-solving skills are also improved by working on puzzles. As an adult works to complete the puzzle, they must consider how each piece affects the whole and use their reasoning skills to determine which pieces go where.
- This kind of trial-and-error process helps adults become better problem-solvers and instills a sense of accomplishment when it is completed.
- Adults can also improve their visual-spatial and fine motor skills. Through jigsaw puzzles, adults can train their brains to better recognize shapes and colors, as well as improving eye-hand coordination by handling the individual pieces.
- Jigsaw puzzles require adults to develop strategies for sorting and categorizing the different pieces in order to find matches. This can help adults become better organized and create effective methods for dealing with complex problems.
- Jigsaw puzzles force adults to practice patience and focus in order to complete a task.
- Working on a puzzle stimulates the brain and helps relax the mind, which is beneficial for your mental health and it can help to lower blood pressure.
- It also provides an opportunity for adults to take a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
- Jigsaw puzzles can also help adults practice problem-solving skills, as it requires them to think out of the box in order to find solutions.
- It encourages creative thinking, which can be beneficial for those in business or other professional fields.
- As well, it helps stimulate memory, as it requires the individual to analyze visuals and remember where certain pieces fit.
- A jigsaw puzzle can also help adults practice goal setting, planning and prioritizing. When completing a puzzle, it’s important to have an end goal in mind and to plan out how best to achieve that goal.
- It requires adults to prioritize which sections they will work on first, and to plan which pieces fit together to complete a section. This can help adults become better decision-makers and strategists in the workplace.
- As they sit down to put the pieces together, they need to have an eye for detail, keep up their concentration and focus on the task at hand. By doing this, they can learn how to improve mental stamina and stay concentrated for longer periods of time, even when the task is mundane or repetitive.
Jigsaw puzzles are not only great fun but also help adults develop a range of important skills. Not only do they require problem-solving and logical thinking, but they help to improve concentration, focus and decision-making skills.
So next time you’re stuck at home on a rainy day or need an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life, pick up a jigsaw puzzle—you’ll thank yourself for it later!
Benefits Of Jigsaw Puzzles For Adults
Jigsaw puzzles can provide a rewarding activity for adults, promoting mental and physical well-being. Studies have shown that working on jigsaw puzzles can help reduce stress and anxiety levels.
Solving a puzzle requires concentration, which helps to improve attention span and aids in problem solving. As the adult progresses through the puzzle, dopamine is released in their brain, which helps to increase feelings of happiness and accomplishment.
An additional benefit of dopamine is that it can help to improve motor skills, decrease memory loss, increase concentration and recollection. (source)
Jigsaw puzzles are a great meditation tool as they allow you to focus on just one thing. Quieting the constant demands for your attention by engaging in a single task can put your mind into a meditation-like state.
dowdlefolkart.com
The visuospatial cognitive benefits of jigsaw puzzles are also beneficial for adults. Working on the puzzle helps to develop visual perception skills, as well as helping us to recognize patterns and spatial relationships.
This type of cognitive development can help with problem solving in everyday life, such as navigating a new city or reading a map to find your way home.
…jigsaw puzzling recruits multiple visuospatial cognitive abilities and is a – not necessarily causal – protective factor for visuospatial cognitive aging.
national library of medicine
Jigsaw puzzles can also help with memory retention and hand-eye coordination. The pieces provide a tactile experience as you fit them together, helping to stimulate the senses.
As jigsaw puzzles become more difficult, adults need to use their cognitive abilities such as pattern recognition and logical reasoning to successfully complete the task.
Studies have shown that jigsaw puzzles can help improve visual-spatial reasoning, short-term memory, and problem-solving skills as well as combat cognitive decline, which can reduce risk of developing dementia. There are also mental health benefits to puzzling.
fortune.com
The social interaction of completing a jigsaw puzzle with friends or family can also be beneficial. Working together to complete the task not only gives you an opportunity to bond but can also help strengthen relationships.
The conversations that occur while tackling the challenge bring people closer together, as shared interests are discussed and opinions are exchanged.
Whether you’re tackling a solo project or collaborating with others, the sense of accomplishment you experience when completing a jigsaw puzzle can be incredibly rewarding.
The satisfaction that comes from solving a complex challenge brings joy and encourages further progress.
When completing puzzles, adults are able to escape their worries and focus on the task at hand – nothing else matters in that moment.
Finally, jigsaw puzzles can improve problem-solving skills among adults. Through exploring new and varied patterns, adults can boost their ability to think critically and make logical connections. This is invaluable for navigating everyday life, as well as professional environments.
In short, jigsaw puzzles are an excellent way for adults to unlock the benefits of play in a safe environment – and that’s something we could all use a bit more of.
Taking time out of your day to complete a jigsaw puzzle can bring immense physical and mental health benefits, as well as improved problem-solving skills. Why not give it a go? You won’t regret it!
Jigsaw Puzzles Can Help Seniors Keep Their Minds Sharp
In recent years, jigsaw puzzles have become increasingly popular among seniors. Not only are they fun and often beautiful to assemble, but as I mentioned earlier, they can also help to keep minds active.
Doing a jigsaw puzzle engages both sides of the brain: not only do you need to be able to remember where pieces go, but you must also be able to recognize patterns and colors.
This connects brain cells between the right and left side which improves our ability to learn, understand and recall.
As seniors become older and their short-term memory begins to decline, this kind of activity will become increasingly important.
Jigsaw puzzles also promote the relationship between the left and right brain. The logical left brain looks at individual parts. It is sequential, rational, analytical and objective. The left brain is stimulated by problem solving. The creative right brain sees the big picture. It thrives on randomness, is intuitive and subjective, and even likes the unfamiliar. Jigsaw puzzles satiate the needs of both the left and right brain.
anatolianpuzzle.com
Studies have even shown that those elderly people who engage in regular mental exercises such as jigsaw puzzles see an improvement in their symptoms of dementia and other forms of cognitive decline.
Jigsaw Puzzles Can Be A Fun And Social Activity For Seniors
Jigsaw puzzles can be a great pastime for seniors, providing hours of entertainment while also giving them an opportunity to socialize. Unlike other games or activities, jigsaw puzzles allow as many people to participate as needed.
This makes it a perfect activity for aging friends and family members who may be feeling lonely or quite complacent. Best of all, most puzzles don’t require any assistance from caregivers or loved ones.
Whether working on their own or with a group, seniors can assemble the pieces of their puzzle without struggling on the floor or needing help from someone else.
But it isn’t just about physical benefits when it comes to jigsaw puzzles; they provide emotional and mental stimulation, too. With each piece put into its correct spot, seniors may experience a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment which gives them something positive to focus on.
This same sense can come from turning the tables and piecing together a puzzle with friends – making it both a practical and powerful way for seniors to bond with others in their age group.
All of these points make jigsaw puzzles an ideal activity for seniors that offers both socialization and recreation in one package.
Large Variety Of Jigsaw Puzzles To Choose From
There are many different forms of jigsaw puzzles available on the market – all of which offer something different to those who are looking for it.
From traditional puzzles with nature scenes and landscapes, to more abstract designs built around colors and shapes, there’s sure to be a jigsaw puzzle that appeals to everyone.
The challenge can vary too; from 100 piece puzzles right up to puzzles with over 1000 pieces! All of this means that you can find a jigsaw puzzle to suit any skill level, and there will always be something new to try.
Plus, the fact that jigsaw puzzles come in various sizes makes them ideal for smaller living spaces, such as those found in apartments or homes that are more cramped in size.
Jigsaw Puzzles For Elderly Adults
Here are some great jigsaw puzzles for older adults. I broke down the list according to difficulty so that seniors can choose the puzzle level that best suits them.
For those looking for a challenge, there are complex puzzles with intricate designs and hundreds of pieces. These puzzles usually feature vibrant colors and exotic landscapes or beautiful artwork.
Bgraamiens Puzzle
Where’s Waldo Jigsaw Puzzle
For those who prefer something a bit more mellow, there are puzzles that feature nostalgic themes like vintage cars or childhood toys. There are also softer images such as wildlife scenes, flowers, and beach scenes.
American Classic Route 66
Vintage Signs
And for seniors looking to stay sharp and engaged, there are themed puzzles that involve solving clues and riddles to complete the picture. These puzzles are great for problem-solving and mental stimulation, while also offering lots of fun.
Brain Teaser Puzzles
If you’re looking for a way to help your elderly loved ones keep their minds sharp, jigsaw puzzles may be the perfect activity. Jigsaw puzzles can provide seniors with a fun and social outlet, while also helping them stay active and engaged.
With so many different types of jigsaw puzzles available on the market, seniors are sure to find ones that suit their interests. So next time your elderly loved one is looking for a way to relax and unwind, consider giving them a jigsaw puzzle to try.
