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Original poster

jigsaws for elderly people

17 replies

lurkingfromhome · 27/03/2020 10:00

My elderly mum is stuck at home and bored. She doesn't have many interests (hates reading and gardening) but doesn't want to sit in front of the TV all day. So far she has been cleaning out cupboards and that kind of thing, but she's fast running out of housework.

I remembered she used to be quite into jigsaws and I thought I'd buy her a couple and get them delivered. No idea how many pieces would be appropriate for her, though. She doesn't have dementia but she's in her early 80s and her brain is not quite as sharp as it was. I haven't done a jigsaw since I was a child so I can't quite visualise how difficult they are without being able to look at them. Would 250 pieces be about right, do you think? Can anyone advise?

OP posts:

NuffSaidSam · 27/03/2020 10:11

250 might be a bit easy, that's a child's puzzle.

I like a 300 piece, but those are also children's puzzles and can be done in an hour.

Maybe 500? That's probably enough that you can do it over a couple of days, just doing a bit at a time.

labazsisgoingmad · 27/03/2020 10:15

500 are popular depends on picture really if its a complex picture lots of blue sky or green lawn or lots of folk etc could be a bit much but a simple picture would be good
i assume she is not on line as jigsaws on line are really good

Twospaniels · 27/03/2020 10:36

My mum had a stroke and she has some loss of cognition. She can do a 500 piece puzzle. It may take her a week or so, but she is happy to do it.
Gibsons puzzles are good and you can get them on Amazon.

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WrongKindOfFace · 27/03/2020 10:45

There are a few manufacturers who make adult jigsaws with extra large pieces which are sometimes easier for older people as they’re easier to grip. They tend not to have acres of sky either. I think Gibson’s could be the brand I’ve bought as a gift before?

Original poster

lurkingfromhome · 27/03/2020 10:57

This is so helpful, thank you very much. Sadly, my mum has no competence online (another thing she is not remotely interested in!). Thankfully my dad is completely computer-literate so he can so all the important stuff for both of them. So online crosswords and jigsaws etc are out.

I think she'd lose interest with lots of blue sky, as you say, or anything that just seems a bit too difficult as she wouldn't be up for that. It sounds like Gibson's is the way to go so I will go and have a look. So helpful, thank you again

OP posts:

Samcro · 27/03/2020 10:59

good luck with getting them online. I was looking on amazon and couldn't find a decent 500 in stock.

Seeline · 27/03/2020 11:00

My DM loves doing jigsaws (early 80s). She does normal sized pieces, but normally sticks to the 500 pieces simply because of the size of the finished puzzle. She can fit that onto a large sized tray, any thing bigger would take up her dining table, and as she works on one for a couple of weeks her table would be out of use for a while!

Original poster

lurkingfromhome · 27/03/2020 11:01

Ha, Samcro, you're right - I've just looked and it seems that everyone has had the same idea as me. None to be found anywhere

OP posts:

Samcro · 27/03/2020 11:02

Apolloanddaphne · 27/03/2020 11:03

My 79yo DM likes a jigsaw. She and my DF used to do 1000 piece ones together but after her died she preferred to do 500 piece ones. They are challenging enough but not too overwhelmingly huge and fit on her table well. I think 250 pieces would be too simple. DM likes the older style Gibsons ones. She can do a jigsaw and reminisce at the same time.

Bloodybridget · 27/03/2020 11:05

Might your parents have a neighbour who could lend one? If it hadn't been done for a few weeks or more, the pieces would be fine obviously, and your dad could wipe the box.

WrongKindOfFace · 27/03/2020 11:10

Looks like there are a few in stock here: www.theyorkshirejigsawstore.co.uk/

WrongKindOfFace · 27/03/2020 11:12

You can also buy direct from the manufacturer: gibsonsgames.co.uk/collections/extra-large-piece-puzzles

Original poster

lurkingfromhome · 27/03/2020 11:14

I'm not sure about the neighbours but they are both terrible at asking for favours of any sort so even if I suggested it they wouldn't do it. Argh, it's difficult.

I have found a few on The Works so I might order those although lockdown will probably be over and done with by the time they get delivered!

OP posts:

Original poster

lurkingfromhome · 27/03/2020 11:14

Oh, I missed those last two posts. Thank you, Wrong, that's so helpful. I'll have a look now.

OP posts:

Original poster

lurkingfromhome · 27/03/2020 11:22

Fab, I ordered two direct from Gibson's! Here's hoping they arrive fairly soon. Thanks so, so much for all your helpful advice x

OP posts:

RishiSunakFanClub · 27/03/2020 11:40

Since we are likely to be isolating for a while, maybe a bit larger puzzle? This one has over 40,000 pieces www.puzzlewarehouse.com/Making-Mickey-s-Magic.html

More realistically, have a look on Amazon - they stock Ravensburger puzzles which I like because they are well cut and you rarely if ever fit two pieces together which don't belong, unlike some other makes.

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