Most seniors enjoy an activity they can do while watching television or relaxing.  That makes jigsaw puzzles very popular gifts for them.  Doing a puzzle is fun, relaxing, uplifting, and besides all that, it gives you a sense of accomplishment when its finished.  Every age enjoys that sense of being productive, even in an entertaining way.

With the variety available now, there are special features that provide hours of pleasure in a convenient manner.  One of the best things now is that you can get large piece puzzles.

The Benefits of Large Pieces

Large piece puzzles are suitable for several reasons.

First, if vision is not as good as it once was, the pieces and the designs are easier to see.

Secondly, they are easier to handle.  Many seniors have developed some stage of arthritis in their hands.  The larger pieces make it much easier to handle and to place.

Thirdly, they are even popular with those with dementia.  At my mother’s residence, there is always someone doing a puzzle.  Many puzzles in that setting are 200 to 300 pieces, which is a nice, manageable size. Of course you can get 500 and 1000 piece for longer lasting puzzles.   It is something that is rewarding to them, plus you can ‘play’ with them, which is more fun for both of you.

Fourth, in the same setting, the pieces are too large to put in their mouths.  Necessary at times for those with the disease.

Lastly, the designs you find in the large piece puzzles are usually light and bright, and sometimes reminiscent of past times.

Appealing Focal Points

You can see in the puzzle shown here how they might appeal to any senior.  There are several focal areas.  That makes finding connecting pieces a little easier for them. They are nearly all bright and colorful.  Eye-catching is a good word for it, and it will often be their reaction.  It’s hard to resist assembling the sweet patterns.

The scenes may remind them of their past.  That’s good since most of us tend to think back to that time as we grow older.  It’s also good since that is often their remembered happy times.

Especially when you are buying for a dementia or Alzheimer’s patient, the disease usually seems to take recent memories away first.  Their pasts are something they cling to even more then.

Animals, farms, beach cottages and more, any of these are so pleasant to assemble.  Don’t forget to start the puzzle with them.  That helps them become more interested right away.  You can chat over tea while you sit together, searching for just the right piece.

Of course jigsaw puzzles are fun for all ages.  Putting them together with your friends or children too, is a chance to visit and bond.  Why not relax with one while you do.

Check out the variety shown here for starters.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Merry Citarella, often writing as Merrci, writes on a wide range of topics. Recently relocated to the Oregon Coast in the northwest United States, she frequently writes travel features on the beautiful Pacific Northwest. She specializes in health and aging, Alzheimer’s Disease, food, lifestyle, and book reviews. For more information you can see her on The Writers’Door. You can read more articles here or at her websites Mystery Suspense Reviews .