Northbrook Park District offers puzzle team competition for seniors Monday in honor of National Puzzle Day
Whether you’re a puzzle enthusiast or haven’t picked up a piece in years, you can enjoy a good-natured puzzle competition hosted by the Northbrook Park District’s Senior Center in honor of National Puzzle Day on Monday, Jan. 29.
Seniors can sign up with friends or be matched up with other puzzle-lovers in teams of two to four people. Team size will be based on attendance. Identical 300-piece puzzles will be provided to each team, and the team that completes the puzzle in the shortest amount of time will be declared the victor. The winners will receive gift baskets with a gift card, treats and park district swag. Refreshments will be served.
“A little friendly competition is always fun,” Recreation Manager Nancy Eschker said. "It's also nice to do something that doesn’t involve technology or screen time. Puzzles have been around forever, and people still really enjoy them.”
Senior Amy Malloy said she’s been fond of puzzles for years and likes to do the same one multiple times.
“It’s very engaging for the mind. I can give it 100% of my attention, and it’s a feeling of accomplishment. Even when I put in one little piece, it feels good,” said Malloy.
Malloy shared some puzzle time earlier this week at the Senior Center with fellow seniors Bill Schwartz and Lynn Johnson, who agreed puzzles are a great hobby.
“I used to do them with my kids when they were little, and now I take them out when friends bring their grandchildren,” Johnson said. “It’s fun to do them with someone else, if you can.”
This is the second time the park district is hosting a National Puzzle Day competition, after the first one in 2020.
“This competition is a great way to challenge seniors intellectually while being entertained,” Recreation Program Coordinator Sally Norlie said. “Puzzles help stimulate the brain, offer cognitive benefits and improve mental sharpness, all while providing recreational and social time.”
Puzzles originated in England in the 18th century to teach geography by dissecting maps, and later were used to teach subjects such as history, botany and zoology, according to Britannica.com. Puzzles with pictures became really popular in the 1900s, and interest in them skyrocketed during the COVID-19 pandemic. Studies show this engaging and inexpensive form of entertainment can enhance problem-solving skills, improve hand-eye coordination, and reduce the risk of dementia, among other benefits.
Puzzles are a great hobby at any age, Malloy said. “Here we are, still doing puzzles in our 70s. It’s something you can do your whole life.”
The National Puzzle Day Competition takes place from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 29, at the Senior Center, inside the Leisure Center, at 3323 Walters Ave., in Northbrook. The cost is $15 for Senior Center members, $19 for nonmembers.
For information or to register, visit nbparks.org/events/national-puzzle-day-competition/competition or call (847) 291-2995.
Established in 1927, the mission of the Northbrook Park District is to enhance the community by providing outstanding services, parks and facilities through environmental, social and financial stewardship.