U3A Surf Coast goes cryptic

Recent medical research into the neuroplasticity of the aging brain – the brain’s ability to increase capacity in response to sustained experience – has suggested that there are techniques available to improve the brain, or at least prevent its decline.

Just as muscles get flabby from sitting around and doing nothing, so does the brain. If you don’t give it regular workouts, you’ll start to lose some “mental fitness”.

Cryptic crosswords have become a popular “brain exercise” and in term three, U3A Surf Coast presents a new class to introduce participants to the joys of solving Cryptic crosswords.

Kevin James, the tutor, said he had always enjoyed mental puzzles and was introduced to Cryptic Crosswords by his brother, “who would spend his lunchtimes on The Age puzzle”.

“Cryptics are undoubtedly my favorite type of pencil-and-paper puzzle because you can work out an answer even if you have never heard the word before.

“Then there is the thrill of finally solving a clue.”

Kevin was a physical education teacher before retirement and has previously taught Cryptic Crosswords with Geelong
U3A and at Anglesea Community centre.

Cryptic crosswords is just one of about 20 courses and activities available in U3A’s term three and a full selection of classes will be available from July 13 at u3asurfcoast.org.au.

Interested participants, paying a midyear fee of $35, can either enrol online or in person at Spring Creek Community House, 14 Price Street, Torquay on July 20 between 10am-noon. For more information, phone 0435 374 139.