Play has many benefits, across the lifespan. Perhaps it is time for each of us to ensure that play exists in our lives as we age. It can take on many different forms. Playing hopscotch (if we can still hop!), participating in Easter egg rolls and creating angels in the snow are activities we might derive pleasure in. Walking in nature, taking up improv, playing a musical instrument or participating in bridge games, while less physical, are also forms of play.
We added Play to the categories in our podcast when we noticed how many of our guests emphasize the importance of adventure, fun, humor, joy, playfulness, and pleasure in their lives. We may have had high power careers, championed women’s rights or reinvented ourselves numerous times. We may have buckled down to take care of homelife, become caregivers as needed and experienced loss and illness.
Still, when it comes to play, there is no reason for us to give it up. In fact, being 70 and over seems to be a time when play can re-enter our lives with all the verve and excitement it did when we were younger. Research on older adults is catching up a bit with what we women already know from our lived experience.
Playfulness, while still relatively new to gerontology studies, confirms that “Playfulness in later life improves cognitive, emotional, social and psychological functioning, and healthy aging overall.”
Basically, what this means to us is that “playfulness can contribute to healthy aging via its relation to positive emotions, well-being, intrinsic life goals, or coping with stress.”
For an entertaining peek at play, check out Bernard DeKoven’s blog, The Playful Adult. Bernard says “we play a lot even if we do not realize it. We play almost all the time. We doodle, daydream, joke around, go for walks, hum, whistle, sing (in the shower), listen to music, dance, watch movies, play games on our devices, chat, message, massage, dress up, dress down, go for rides, go on vacations.”
“We play a lot even if we do not realize it. We play almost all the time. We doodle, daydream, joke around, go for walks, hum, whistle, sing (in the shower), listen to music, dance, watch movies, play games on our devices, chat, message, massage, dress up, dress down, go for rides, go on vacations.” -Bernard DeKoven’s blog, The Playful Adult
To that we add, from doodling to all day adventures, from gardening to film groups and book clubs, from delighting in the infectious laughter of grandchildren, from walking in nature, to joining a rowing team– play is all around us. And, for the most part, having fun costs relatively little or, often, even nothing.
Women Over 70-Aging Reimagined podcast guest, Chris Hauri (age70 | Ep. 54), lives with the spirit of creativity and fun. As an entrepreneur and intrapreneur, Chris leads individuals and groups to tap into their creative and intuitive thinking. She cautions that “rational, linear thinking alone cannot solve complex problems facing humanity, such as climate change and pandemics”. Chris’ legacy is to help women over 60 age with dignity and fun, and to support the education of girls on a global scale. And, she does stand-up comedy. Chris lives by the mantra: “If you can do something, do it in a fun way.”
The playful women we interview find ways every day to keep joy in their lives. They might not engage in play the way they did when they were younger and, yet, by deliberately bringing play into their lives, in all its forms, their lives are enhanced and brings them joy.
Female scientist, Bebe Magee (age 81 | Ep. 101), has been able to spend more time in choral activities, singing with the Calliope Women’s Chorus–the 2nd oldest feminist chorus in the U.S.- and with the Voices of Experience (singers over age 55). She also took up rowing in post-retirement. Bebe says, “Although I am not much in favor of getting older, I am very happy with this stage in my life.”
“Although I am not much in favor of getting older, I am very happy with this stage in my life.” – Bebe Magee (age 81)
Centenarian Marion Giles (age 103 | Ep. 58), enjoys adventure, independence & social connection living in her retirement facility. For her 100th birthday, she invited 100 folks to celebrate with her, and because of her philanthropy to the Brookfield Zoo, also invited 3 animals from the zoo! For the fun of socializing, Marion joined a Sewing Club (she did not sew) and a Riding Club (she did not ride). A lover of animals and the outdoors, Marion loves to visit the Brookfield Zoo and Chicago Arboretum.
Elizabeth (Zib) Hinz, (age 75 | Ep. 81), believes in living with curiosity and spontaneity. At age 65, she took up rowing and learned to play the cello–“music is physical” she says. Zib continues to be physically active, plays in a cello quartet, has a new life partner, and “keeps moving and progressing through life with as much grace as possible.”
And, there is Linda Schaefer (age 70 | Ep. 42). Linda always knew her happy place was at the Minnesota Twins ballpark. Come springtime, she works as an usher about 55 days of the season. Linda’s love of the Twins spans over 60 years, starting in grade school when she listened (yes, listened, no TV) to games with her parents on their farm. She never outgrew this passion. The ballpark is Linda’s ‘happy place,’ which provided respite during 42 years as a full-time nurse, mostly working Intensive Care and ER during the night shift.
Many women whom we placed in other categories also make space in their lives for all forms of play.
As older adults, do we sometimes slip into thinking that play is only for children– that we have to be serious all the time and own up to being older? Yet, what we really need to do is give ourselves permission to play. We’re starting a hop-scotch championship. Won’t you join us?
