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Puzzles are mental exercises that enhance cognitive function. Functional cognition is critical for older adults to be able to engage in activities of daily living (ADL) and is linked to positive aging. This paper reports participation by Hispanic older adults in puzzle working and explores the relationship between the reported need for assistance with ADL and puzzles participation. Survey findings from 156 older adults reveal that puzzle working not only provides an opportunity to exercise their mind to solve cognitive challenges, but also elicits emotional and social benefits. The reported need for assistance with ADL is not a statistically significant predictor of participation in puzzle working, indicating that regardless of the level of assistance senior adults need for ADL, they can participate in puzzle working. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The differences of basic attributes, health promotion behaviors, and quality of life between elderly males and females in Taiwan were compared. Several scales were used to examine the gender differences and the factors associated with quality of life. Regression analysis revealed that gender, education level, depression level, and healthy diet were key factors influencing the overall quality of life. The education level of females was lower, and their depression level was higher; however, females had healthier diets. With regards to their satisfaction in the quality of life, elderly males scored higher than females in both the physical and psychological domains. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]