This post is written in honor of my father, who passed away one year ago. He was known to work until the wee hours on a good puzzle, which drove my mother crazy. Since I wrote this post, we learned that a great American, RBG, has passed away. My dad was a great fan, as are we. We would have loved the opportunity to linger over a great puzzle with my dad and RBG. That would have been something.
You either are a puzzle person or you are not. But can you discover the joys and benefits of doing a jigsaw puzzle later in life? You should. According to Web MD, studies have shown that people who do puzzles live longer, lower their chance of memory loss and there is some evidence that puzzlers may be less likely to get brain plaque which leads to Alzheimer’s Disease, although that is far from conclusive. Not only that, jigsaw and other puzzling increases dopamine production which helps one focus, and best of all, it can lead to the satisfaction of finishing something.
My father and I enjoyed working on puzzles together. I always tucked a 500 piece puzzle into my suitcase when I visited him, and it gave us license to sit side by side collaborating and chatting for hours. We never failed to complete the puzzle, and getting to the finish line gave us a true sense of accomplishment. But more importantly, it gave us a chance to catch up. Indeed, jigsaw puzzles can improve social connections, which is why you always see them out at Senior Centers.
Sadly, my fellow Senior Ripper shows no interest in diving into a puzzle, preferring to waltz in at the last minute to put in a piece, wondering why it is taking me so long. Fortunately, I have collected some special friends who are always up for a puzzle challenge. The only problem is that when they depart, I am often left with the toughest parts to finish (usually the sky!) on my own.
Our children have learned that a puzzle is the ideal mom gift. I always pause when I finish these beauties and consider modpodging them together to create a wall hanging, but then wisely disassemble them to share with others. That’s right….jigsaw puzzles are environmentally friendly as one can pass them along to other puzzlers.
This past year’s holiday puzzle was a handsomely illustrated field guide to mushrooms from the New York Puzzle Company with 1000 pieces. I wanted to tackle this puzzle when one of my special puzzle friends and her husband had planned a ski visit, but alas, along came Covid and their trip was canceled. Hesitant to undertake such a large puzzle on my own, I eventually took out the pieces and allowed myself some puzzle time before dinner. Surprisingly, I found the puzzle quieted my mind as I focused on shapes and colors rather than a worldwide pandemic.
Now that I am back at school and in need of a stress reliever, I allowed myself a splurge and purchased an artisanal wooden jigsaw puzzle from Zen Puzzles. Their puzzles are exquisitely made and feature unique pieces that fall into place with a satisfying click. My favorite size is 200 pieces, which is being phased out and is currently on sale. I recommend every Senior Ripper consider giving oneself an early holiday gift this year and purchasing one for yourself. Mine is a reflection of the times – a panda, who fortunately seems to be weathering the “Pandemic” just fine. I only wish my dad were here to help me.
Love puzzling with you, and yes, I left you the sky and the water!
Such a great post! I started smiling from the start, reflecting on MANY happy memories puzzling with you and then to find our picture used as an illustration of “Puzzle Friends” has made my day. Never a bad day spent puzzling!
I can’t wait to start my next puzzle. Thanks Gail.
While like your fellow Senior Ripper I am not a puzzle person, I appreciate the beauty of it.
Loved this, Gail. I have so many memories of your father doing puzzles at Sebasco.
Incidentally, I did the Blue Crab Zen puzzle with a friend on Cape Cod this summer and LOVED it! Such a beautifully crafted and clever puzzle, and we were able to do it in an evening over a glass of wine. Perfect!
Don’t forget Liberty Puzzles!
Gail
Thank you for reminding me how much I enjoy JSP’s. I have had the fun of puzzling with you and so many others all across the country. Opening the door to your house and finding a puzzle in process is like a hot cup of coffee and the smell of an apple pie. While convalescing from my foot surgery several years ago, working on puzzles helped me through the three months of down time. In fact, I think I’ll start one this afternoon.
Ed
Really great, thank you Gail. I’ve shared it with this branch of the Cushman clan.
Hi Gail,
Loved your puzzle piece. I too come from a puzzling family. Also a skiing family and as a child, there was always a puzzle going to keep us entertained in whatever New Hampshire ski rental my parents had taken for the winter. One of four children, we were all puzzlers. While most board games ended with threats of violence, puzzling was a pastime that encouraged my sibs and I to collaborate rather than dominate!. Small victories could be enjoyed by just finding that elusive piece or connecting your chosen section to the main puzzle. My children have also caught the bug. Dana is our lead puzzler but what is great about puzzles is that they are so
inclusive. Other family members stop by, lean over the puzzle, pick up a piece, maybe sit for a while. This summer all four of my kids spent a wonderful 2 weeks on Cape Cod with us and there was always a puzzle going. I think we finished four 1000 piecers! I have taken to giving our puzzles once completed and carefully reboxed to Lynn for the Plymouth Church (Miami) thrift store. I understand they are a huge hit and just fly off the shelves! Love the Blog! Wendy