Games Benefits of Online Puzzles for Seniors 1/17/2025 | By Kari Smith Are there benefits of online puzzles for older adults, or are they simply a waste of time? Seniors Guide writer Kari Smith suggests rewarding reasons to engage. Online puzzles are often touted as aids in brain health, and they offer other benefits, too. Some experts recommend puzzles such as Sudoku or crossword puzzles for brain health and mental acuity, a priority for many aging seniors. Others question that recommendation. While research shows mixed results on whether puzzles can directly slow cognitive decline, many experts agree that they still offer advantages for seniors, particularly when done regularly. A study cited in Duly Health & Care points out that while Sudoku might not be the “magic bullet” for preventing dementia, engaging in activities that challenge the brain is still beneficial. Similarly, Healthline suggests that while puzzles alone might not guarantee a sharper mind, they can keep the brain engaged, which is crucial as we age. The act of puzzle-solving can stimulate mental faculties and help improve focus. It may even help improve short-term memory. Online Sudoku, updated daily on Seniors Guide Crossword puzzles offer additional benefits. If you engage with other people while solving the puzzle, it can build social bonds. They help keep the mind active as you learn new words and facts, and aid concentration. In fact, experts at the University of Exeter Medical School and Kings College London found that daily crosswords are linked to sharper brains in later life. Even if solving puzzles doesn’t lead to dramatic cognitive improvements, the benefits of online puzzles support softer skills, like providing a rewarding and enjoyable way for seniors to pass the time. The satisfaction that comes with completing a challenging puzzle can provide a sense of accomplishment and boost overall well-being while combatting boredom. Additionally, unlike watching television, which involves passive thinking, puzzles require active problem-solving and critical thinking, skills that are important for maintaining mental agility. Online puzzles offer an added layer of enjoyment through features like timers and the ability to compete against oneself or others. For seniors who enjoy a little friendly competition, sharing results with friends can add excitement and motivation. Beyond the cognitive benefits, online puzzles can help seniors improve soft skills like patience, perseverance, and strategic thinking. The problem-solving process often requires critical thinking and the ability to approach a task from multiple angles. These skills can be just as important for maintaining mental health as memory and focus. While online puzzles might not be the cure-all for aging brains, they certainly provide a fun, stimulating, and satisfying way for seniors to stay engaged, and they can be more beneficial than watching TV or scrolling through social media. Read More Kari Smith Kari Smith is a frequent contributor to Seniors Guide, helping to keep those in the senior industry informed and up-to-date. She's a Virginia native whose love of writing began as a songwriter recording her own music. In addition to teaching music and performing in the Richmond area, Kari also enjoys riding horses and farming.