The importance of play can’t be overstated. That’s true for everybody, but it might be particularly true for seniors. After all, in our later years, many of us become more prone to issues that can affect our health and happiness. So any activities that can help us restore or prolong our vitality are essential. Having fun is a lot more potent in that regard than most people probably realize.
Scientific studies continue to show that play and fun activities can have several significant benefits for older adults or people of any age. For example, play has the power to help:
Improve how your brain works.
Do you want to maintain your memory and optimize your ability to learn new things? Playing and having fun—regularly—can help you avoid memory problems and enhance your creativity and mental sharpness.
Heal, establish, or maintain relationships.
Our social lives are vital for our overall well-being. However, a lot of seniors are lonely. In fact, on average, seniors without spouses or partners spend about 10 hours alone each day.1 But fun and play can enable seniors to make new friends or improve existing relationships. After all, laughter and friendly competition increase harmony, trust, empathy, and intimacy among people who experience them together.
Improve your mental and emotional well-being.
Do you like how you feel when you have a brighter outlook on life and your sense of time recedes into the background? Engaging in fun and playful activities can expand your optimism, multiply your moments of joy, and reduce stress. It can even help you prevent depression.
Extend your life and improve your physical vitality.
Who doesn’t want to feel younger or more energetic? Creating plenty of fun moments in your life can be a good way to boost your immune system, reduce your risk of illness, and minimize your perception of any existing pain you might already have.
As you can see, play should be a significant part of life for everyone. It’s who we are, no matter our age. We can all probably use many more experiences of pure child-like joy.
Our Activities Coordinator and staff guide our activity department at Delaware Court. They offer innovative and creative activity programs throughout the week, evenings, and weekends. Outings in our Center’s shuttle keep our residents involved in the community and maintain a sense of independence. Contact us at (740) 369-6400 for more information about our vibrant resident life!
