It’s Puzzling!

The most enticing part of the newspaper isn’t always the headlines on the front. For many, it’s the puzzles in the back.

The benefits of puzzles are numerous. They combine the fun of an engaging game, the thrill of a formidable challenge and the relaxation of a mindful daily ritual. Puzzles such as crosswords and sudoku have stood the test of time and can deliver real benefits. A large-scale and widely-reported study conducted by the University of Exeter and King’s College London tested the attention, memory and reasoning skills of more than 19,000 participants aged 50 and over. On average, those who regularly did these classic puzzles had the brain function of someone ten years younger and the short-term memory of someone eight years younger.

For some, puzzles represent a peaceful, solitary endeavor — a daily ritual with a morning coffee, a way to relax while maintaining focus during a study break or a stimulating way to pass the time while travelling.

For others, puzzles are an opportunity for social engagement. Friends or colleagues may challenge each other for fun, competing to see who can solve the day’s puzzle the fastest or make the fewest mistakes.