Somewhere along the way, many of us began believing that play belongs to children while productivity belongs to adults. We schedule doctor's appointments, pay mortgages, care for aging parents, raise children, and work hard—but we often forget to simply have fun. The truth is that our brains don't stop benefiting from play after we turn 50. In fact, this may be one of the most important stages of life to embrace games, hobbies, laughter, and friendly competition. Whether you're playing a game of Rummikub, tackling a jigsaw puzzle with your grandchildren, joining friends for bridge, or laughing your way through a family game night, you're doing far more than passing the time. You're exercising your brain in ways that support healthy aging.
Scientists have discovered that mentally stimulating leisure activities can help build what is known as cognitive reserve—the brain's ability to adapt and compensate for age-related changes. A large study published in JAMA Network Open found that older adults who regularly participated in activities such as card games, board games, crafts, reading, and social engagement experienced a lower risk of developing dementia compared with those who were less mentally active. Games challenge memory, problem-solving, attention, language, and decision-making while also encouraging conversation and social connection. Researchers also know that laughter and enjoyable social interaction reduce stress hormones such as cortisol while increasing feel-good chemicals like dopamine and endorphins. It's a wonderful reminder that fun isn't frivolous—it's part of a healthy lifestyle.
Working in an acute geriatric behavioral health unit, I see the power of play nearly every day. Patients who arrive feeling anxious, depressed, withdrawn, or confused often come alive during recreational therapy. A simple game of Uno can spark conversation. A few rounds of Bingo can encourage concentration and confidence. Balloon volleyball, charades, trivia games, and collaborative puzzles invite movement, teamwork, and laughter. Sometimes I watch someone who hasn't smiled all morning suddenly light up because they remembered how to play a favorite childhood game. Those moments remind me that beneath illness, fear, or memory loss, our need for joy and connection never disappears. Recreation isn't "just an activity." It's therapy for the heart, mind, and spirit.
As we grow older, perhaps we should stop asking whether play is a good use of our time and start asking why we've neglected it for so long. We don't have to become children again to benefit from childlike curiosity. We simply have to give ourselves permission to enjoy ourselves without guilt. Invite friends over for game night. Teach your grandchildren the card games you loved growing up. Join a community game group at your local senior center or library. Visit an arcade and rediscover the thrill of skee-ball or pinball. Play isn't the opposite of maturity—it may be one of the smartest investments we can make in our long-term brain health. Growing older is inevitable, but growing old at heart is entirely optional.
In Gratitude.
KJ Landis
@superiorself on Instagram and X
@SuperiorSelf channel on YouTube
@superiorselfwithkjlandis on TikTok
[email protected]
Books available everywhere!
References
Scientists have discovered that mentally stimulating leisure activities can help build what is known as cognitive reserve—the brain's ability to adapt and compensate for age-related changes. A large study published in JAMA Network Open found that older adults who regularly participated in activities such as card games, board games, crafts, reading, and social engagement experienced a lower risk of developing dementia compared with those who were less mentally active. Games challenge memory, problem-solving, attention, language, and decision-making while also encouraging conversation and social connection. Researchers also know that laughter and enjoyable social interaction reduce stress hormones such as cortisol while increasing feel-good chemicals like dopamine and endorphins. It's a wonderful reminder that fun isn't frivolous—it's part of a healthy lifestyle.
Working in an acute geriatric behavioral health unit, I see the power of play nearly every day. Patients who arrive feeling anxious, depressed, withdrawn, or confused often come alive during recreational therapy. A simple game of Uno can spark conversation. A few rounds of Bingo can encourage concentration and confidence. Balloon volleyball, charades, trivia games, and collaborative puzzles invite movement, teamwork, and laughter. Sometimes I watch someone who hasn't smiled all morning suddenly light up because they remembered how to play a favorite childhood game. Those moments remind me that beneath illness, fear, or memory loss, our need for joy and connection never disappears. Recreation isn't "just an activity." It's therapy for the heart, mind, and spirit.
As we grow older, perhaps we should stop asking whether play is a good use of our time and start asking why we've neglected it for so long. We don't have to become children again to benefit from childlike curiosity. We simply have to give ourselves permission to enjoy ourselves without guilt. Invite friends over for game night. Teach your grandchildren the card games you loved growing up. Join a community game group at your local senior center or library. Visit an arcade and rediscover the thrill of skee-ball or pinball. Play isn't the opposite of maturity—it may be one of the smartest investments we can make in our long-term brain health. Growing older is inevitable, but growing old at heart is entirely optional.
In Gratitude.
KJ Landis
@superiorself on Instagram and X
@SuperiorSelf channel on YouTube
@superiorselfwithkjlandis on TikTok
[email protected]
Books available everywhere!
References
- Fancourt, D., & Steptoe, A. (2022). Cultural engagement and risk of dementia in older adults. JAMA Network Open.
- Alzheimer's Association. Brain Health and Cognitive Wellness.
- National Institute on Aging. Cognitive Health and Older Adults.
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Healthy Aging: Social Connectedness and Mental Well-Being.
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