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The Importance of Play as Adults!

  • Writer: Jennie Cox
    Jennie Cox
  • 10 hours ago
  • 3 min read

Play is beneficial across our lifespans- not just in childhood. Growing research in psychology, neuroscience and public health suggests that maintaining opportunities for play in adulthood and older age supports physical, cognitive, emotional and social wellbeing.


This year, Wednesday 5th August marks National Play Day, celebrating the importance of play for our health & happiness.


Let's delve into why play matters & what the emerging science says about its benefits...



What is 'Play'?

Researchers generally define play as an activity that is:

  • Voluntary

  • Enjoyable

  • Intrinsically motivated (done for its own sake)

  • Flexible and creative

  • Low-risk

  • Often social, but can also be solitary




Why Play Matters - The Research

Play is more than just fun. Studies show it supports physical, emotional, social, and cognitive growth.


For children, play helps develop motor skills, creativity, and problem-solving abilities. It also builds social skills like cooperation, communication, and empathy.


For adults:


  • From a Physical Health perspective, a systematic review (JMIR Aging 2025) found that active games ("exergaming") significantly increased enjoyment and satisfaction compared with standard exercise. Why is this important? Enjoyment predicts adherence. We often keep doing activities that are enjoyable (& we all know the benefits of regular physical activity & exercise)!

  • In terms of Mental Health benefits, the Synapse Project by Park et al. (2014), found that older adults who spent 3 months learning novel, cognitively demanding creative skills, such as photography and quilting, showed significant improvements in episodic memory. The combination of novelty, sustained mental challenge, and active engagement, rather than just social interaction alone, strengthens cognitive function. Creative play and lifelong learning can help build cognitive reserve and support long-term brain health.

  • From a Biological Aging point of view, a large study of over 3,500 adults (Fancourt et al 2026) found that people who frequently took part in activities such as painting, music, crafts & reading showed signs of slower biological aging compared with those who engaged less often. While this was an observational study and therefore a direct link cannot be assumed, these initial findings suggest that making time for enjoyable, creative pursuits may be another important way to support long-term brain and body health!




High angle view of a community event with families participating in outdoor games


Practical Ways to Incorporate Play Every Day

Making time for play can be simple and rewarding. Here are some ideas to bring more playfulness into daily routines:


  • For children: Encourage unstructured playtime outdoors, provide diverse toys and materials and join in their games.

  • For adults: Try playful hobbies like dancing, puzzles, or sports. Schedule little breaks for lighthearted activities.

  • For families: Plan a few game nights, nature walks or creative projects together.

  • At work: Incorporate short breaks with fun activities like quick team games or brainstorming sessions with playful prompts.


Creating a culture that values play helps reduce stress and improves overall quality of life.


Have a look at the list below & see how you could incorporate a bit more play & art into your life through...


  • Outdoor games & Sports

  • Board Games & Puzzles

  • Dancing

  • Music e.g. Playing an instrument

  • Art e.g Painting/Drawing, Pottery Classes

  • Building things

  • Knitting

  • Playing with pets

  • Playful conversations and humour


Close-up view of colorful play materials like building blocks and art supplies on a table


Embracing Play Beyond National Play Day

While National Play Day shines a spotlight on play once a year, the benefits extend far beyond a single date. Communities, schools, workplaces, and families can all take steps to make play a regular part of life.


Supporting play means:

  • Designing safe, accessible play spaces

  • Encouraging inclusive activities for all abilities and ages

  • Recognizing play as essential for mental and physical health

  • Valuing creativity and fun as part of daily routines


By embracing play, society can nurture happier, healthier individuals and stronger communities.




In Conclusion:

Play is a vital part of life that supports growth, connection, health & well-being. Whether through outdoor games, puzzles, art or creative projects, we could all do with incorporate a little bit more play into our lives!



Learn more about our team and how we like to incorporate play into our lives (through netball, rugby, pets & more!) by following us on Social Media...



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Extra Reading:

Here's our top interesting podcasts on the importance of play: 







 
 
 

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