The Importance of Playtime for Seniors

When we hear the word “playtime”, most people conjure up images of toddlers and young children engaging in fun activities inside and out of the house.  That’s a valid assessment but playtime is not something reserved for just children. It’s something people of all ages can enjoy and especially seniors because their retirement years give them more time and opportunity to do things they truly love.

Play Is Important

Playtime is important for seniors for the same reason it’s beneficial to children – it helps activate their bodies and minds.  How play is defined is not important.  It could involve dancing, singing, arts and crafts or a myriad of other activities that get seniors motivated and engaged.  What is important is whatever activity a senior decides upon, it should be a fun and pleasurable experience that maintains their interest.

Renowned American psychologist Charles E. Schaefer said that “We are never more fully alive, more completely ourselves, or more deeply engrossed in anything, than when we are at play.”  He’s correct, especially as it involves the senior population.  Older adults who engage in regular playful activities tend to have higher degrees of physical and mental wellness.  If they participate in active play, they benefit physically because play is a fun form of exercise.  It a senior chooses involves something more passive such as art and crafts, they’re able to exercise their minds which helps keep them mentally sharp.

Play Keeps Seniors Socially Involved

Many seniors battle loneliness.  They’ve lost friends and many of them have seen their families move away or be to busy with their own lives to have much time to spend with their elders.  Play can be the best medicine in these situations.  If play involves a group activity, seniors have the opportunity to make new friends and stimulate existing relationships, each one being a bonding experience that boosts the level of happiness in their lives.

Seniors that play together rarely feel socially isolated, a condition that can cause serious physical and mental issues.  Being socially active creates a sense of belonging for seniors and they feel more connected to the real world.  It also enables them to create support systems with people their own age which can be benefit everyone in the group.

Make Play Intergenerational When Possible

There is often a disconnect between seniors and younger generations of their family because each age group thinks they don’t share the same interests with the other age group.  Play can be the common denominator binds different generations together.  A great way of doing this is to make intergenerational play a fun, learning experience such as a skill swapping session.  The kids can show their grandparents how to use a smart phone and the grandparents can reciprocate by teaching the youngsters how to cook their favorite meal.

Simple backyard games such as cornhole or horseshoes can be organized so generations play with or against each other in spirited competitions in which everyone wins.  All it takes is a little imagination and effort to connect family generations together.

Find Time To Play

Given the chance, most seniors welcome the opportunity to engage in play.  The important thing to remember is people don’t stop playing because they get old.  They get old when they stop playing.  We may not be able to stop the aging process but getting old is always a choice.

Play more, no matter what your age.  It’s a wonderful way to make life worth living.