University of Waterloo

Waterloo alum reimagines a simple pastime to bring dignity, connection and joy to older adults

At the University of Waterloo, Olivia Vento (BSc ’25) spent her undergraduate years studying psychology and working in the Children’s Communication Lab under the supervision of Dr. Daniela O’Neill, where she saw firsthand how board games can foster playful learning and social connection for children. Curiosity followed, and she began to wonder what types of activities could foster similar opportunities for older adults, a large yet often overlooked population.

That question became the foundation for Piece of Mind, her puzzle venture designed to bring people together, one piece a time.

The puzzle market, she discovered, had left many older adults with an impossible choice. Standard 1,000-piece puzzles were often too demanding and overwhelming, particularly for those living with dementia, Alzheimer’s, arthritis or vision loss. The “easier” alternatives were designed for children and often featured cartoon characters or juvenile themes that felt out of place in the hands of adults. Vento realized that there was a need for activities that are accessible, dignified and age appropriate.

During her final term, Vento pitched Piece of Mind at United College’s GreenHouse Social Impact Showcase to validate her vision for accessible puzzles. She received $3,000, helping kickstart the design and planning process that would bring her idea to life.

“Before developing the first prototype, it was important to understand the audience, the problem and the barriers people face,” Vento says. “I wanted something that could support a sense of accomplishment and independence – something that might spark a happy memory or a conversation between loved ones, without feeling clinical or childish.”

Vento set out to design puzzles that better support older adults and individuals navigating illnesses, injury or changes in memory, vision or dexterity. She brought in local artist and fellow Waterloo alum Cailyn Perry (BSc ’24, MSc ’26), known online as @CailynCreative, to illustrate the first puzzle’s artwork. After polling her community on Instagram and at a GreenHouse demo day, one design stood out: Cats Having Breakfast became the first release.

“Nothing about the artwork was an accident,” Vento adds. “A lot of thought went into the colour contrast, the size and shape of each piece, and making sure each piece felt unique and interesting, without the whole image becoming chaotic.”