By Cynthia Germain

There’s something wonderfully simple about a puzzle, pieces on a table waiting for someone to come along and put them together. In today’s high-tech world, puzzles and games offer a unique opportunity for connection, especially across generations. A friend recently reached out, sharing her experience of working on a puzzle at a family gathering. The energy, she said, was something special: relaxed, joyful, and fully cooperative. It was a hit with her group, and it got me thinking about the quiet but profound benefits these activities bring, especially to older adults.

Puzzles and games are more than just pastimes. They offer mental engagement, a sense of accomplishment, and, most importantly, they create connection with others. Here’s why they’re so valuable—and why you might consider breaking out a puzzle or setting up a game the next time you gather with family or friends.

Puzzles demand concentration, reasoning, and problem-solving skills, which can help keep minds sharp. Studies have shown that mentally engaging activities, like puzzles, can potentially slow cognitive decline. Games that require planning, strategy, or even a little healthy competition (think Scrabble or chess) can be equally beneficial.

When family and friends gather around a table to work on a puzzle or play a game, they’re doing more than solving pieces or playing cards. They’re sharing stories, laughing, and building memories. Puzzles are unique because they’re cooperative rather than competitive, which helps people focus on the task together, free from the pressure of winning or losing. For some older adults who may be hesitant about joining in more active or complex games, puzzles offer an inviting, low-stress way to participate.

Participating in games and puzzles can also reduce stress, anxiety, and even symptoms of depression. The process of focusing on small, achievable tasks within a larger puzzle or game can be grounding. It can remind us to take things one step at a time and enjoy the moment. And it is more than just a fun activity, it’s a chance to connect and remember how comforting it is to be together.

Perhaps one of the most meaningful aspects of incorporating puzzles and games when family or friends get together is the potential for tradition. Imagine the joy of knowing that, each holiday season or family event, there will be a puzzle on the table or a game ready to play. These activities become more than entertainment; they become little traditions that can bridge generations and make gatherings even more memorable.

So, the next time you’re looking for something fun to do, consider pulling out a puzzle or choosing a game everyone can enjoy. You’ll be creating memories, boosting well-being, and, most importantly, strengthening bonds. And who knows—like my friend, you might just start a new tradition that everyone looks forward to.