Share:

While ensuring seniors’ physical needs are met is an important pillar of elderly care, it is only one piece of the puzzle. To promote overall wellness, caregivers must also make sure seniors have access to resources for mental and emotional health as well. One often-overlooked tool for supporting cognitive health in older adults is the crossword puzzle. In honor of Crossword Puzzle Day on December 21st, learn a bit more about this stimulating word game and how it could help your elderly loved one. 

How Crosswords Can Promote Elderly Care

Why Are People So Drawn to Crosswords?

Crossword puzzles are among the most popular and widespread word games in the entire world, despite their relatively short history. While they extend back to the 19th century when they first appeared in England, they are hardly as old as games like chess, which can be traced back more than a thousand years. Still, since their first known printed appearance in the U.S. on December 21, 1913, these puzzles have taken the nation by storm.

The puzzles are beloved by many who take joy in completing riddles and solving challenges and put the player into a playful state of mind. For older adults, however, the benefits extend beyond enjoyment alone.

How Do Crosswords Benefit Seniors?

elderly careCrossword puzzles can enhance vocabulary and boost problem-solving skills, thereby supporting mental acuity in older adults. While more research needs to be done, it’s also suspected that these puzzles can fight age-related cognitive decline. Moreover, some studies show crosswords can keep certain types of dementia, such as Alzheimer’s, at bay.  

If you have an older adult in your life who enjoys puzzles, consider giving them a book of crosswords or getting them a subscription to a newspaper which features a daily puzzle. Resources like aarp.org also feature daily crosswords designed for older adults that can be played online. 

 

Do you have a senior who could benefit from personalized elderly care to support their physical, mental, and emotional wellness? If so, turn to Deer Valley Home Health Services. This group of compassionate caregivers has provided home health care services for the elderly and disabled across the St. Louis metropolitan area since 2005. Browse through the commonly asked questions on their website to find out if their services are right for your family. Or, contact one of their locations directly to get in touch: call (314) 355-3679 for Berkeley, (636) 493-6488 for St. Charles, or (314) 773-4433 for St. Louis, MO.

tracking