how do i open an archived flash player file?

Mac OS 10.6.8--no longer listed in Flash update panel. Followed link to Flash archives. Downloaded what I thought would be appropriate version (only 10.5 was indicated for any archive). Nothing opens the file. Flash Update Manager only provides mechanism for removing Flash from system. Help link in Flash page for Mac problems goes to Windows screen. This process is deeply flawed, lacking specific information needed to make proper choices. I believe I have the most recent update for 10.6.8 but have no method for validating that assumption.