Benefits of Crossword Puzzles

Puzzle and memory expert Dr. Ann Lukits says that solving crosswords on a regular basis can “improve memory and brain function in older adults.” Such activities can also “improve mental functions in patients with brain damage or early dementia.”

Solving crossword puzzles alone is beneficial, but working in a group adds a bigger advantage to one’s brain function. One important factor of collaborative cruciverbalism is the ability to think creatively in a more strategic fashion. The other factors are fairly easy to capture. Involving yourself in such a brain-consuming activity helps you vastly by improving your verbal skills, making you solve problems, and causing you to think deeply.

Benefits of crossword puzzles:

Help Prevent Alzheimer’s – According to the Alzheimer’s Association, a daily dose of crossword puzzles is a significant way to keep the brain active and sharp, especially as you grow older. In fact, regularly solving crossword puzzles and doing cognitive exercises can make your brain 10 years younger.

Teach new words – Solving crossword puzzles helps increase your vocabulary. Through crosswords, you are learning new words constantly. If you don’t know the meaning of a new word, you can always check the dictionary and add it to your vocabulary.

Stress relief – When you are solving crossword puzzles, you tend to dig deeper into the problem at hand. This means you are less focused on your own problems. It’s a great way to relax and forget your worries for a little while. They are also a fun way to overcome boredom and negative feelings. If you are lonely, depressed, anxious, or bored, just open your newspaper and solve a crossword puzzle. This will help you to relax, keep your mind engaged, and just have fun! If you are not a puzzle person, you don’t have to be. Just give crossword puzzles a try and you’ll be hooked in no time!

Combats Loneliness – Working together in a group creates bonding. When you have stronger social ties, you are more likely to be healthier, have a better quality of life, and enjoy longevity! Meaningful relationships, which can be created by solving crossword puzzles together with others, are one of the keys to a happy life.