When we think of "play," we often picture children running, laughing, and exploring imaginary worlds. But what if play wasn’t just for kids? What if playfulness was actually a key ingredient to healthy ageing, emotional wellbeing, and long-term vitality?
At Empowered Ageing, we believe it is — and scientific research supports this.
What Is Play — and Why Does It Matter at Every Age?
Play is any activity that brings joy, curiosity, creativity, and a sense of freedom. It can be spontaneous or structured, physical or mental, shared or solitary. Whether it’s dancing, storytelling, games, or simply being silly, play is a natural human need — just like movement, rest, and connection.
At a recent conference, Portuguese expert Professor Carlos Neto reminded us that play is not only essential for children’s development, but also for building skills that last a lifetime, such as:
Emotional resilience
- Social intelligence
- Leadership and teamwork
- Problem-solving and creativity
- Stress regulation
- These are not just childhood skills — they are lifelong tools. And yet, as adults, we’re conditioned to be serious, efficient, and productive. Play is often seen as something we "grow out of" or that is reserved for children.
But when adults reconnect with play, something powerful happens. Energy returns. Emotions move. Bodies become more expressive. And health begins to shift.
Why Play Is So Powerful for Mature Adults
As we age, we face new challenges: changes in mobility, increased stress, emotional loss, or social isolation. Play is a natural, joyful way to counterbalance these challenges and nourish mind, body, and spirit.
Here are some of the most important benefits of play for healthy ageing:
1. Supports Brain Health and Mental Flexibility
Play stimulates neuroplasticity — the brain’s ability to grow and adapt. It keeps the mind sharp, improves memory, and encourages creativity.
Scientific support: A 2023 study in The Gerontologist found that older adults who engaged in playful activities showed better problem-solving, verbal fluency, and attention than those who did not.
2. Reduces Stress and Boosts Emotional Wellbeing
Play helps us relax, laugh, and feel present. It reduces cortisol, the body’s main stress hormone, and increases dopamine and serotonin, which help regulate mood.
Scientific support: Research published in Frontiers in Psychology (2019) shows that playfulness in older adults is associated with lower levels of anxiety, greater optimism, and better stress-coping skills.
3. Encourages Physical Movement and Balance
Play-based movement is often more enjoyable and intuitive than traditional exercise. Activities like dancing, games, or floor-based movement improve coordination, stability, and flexibility.
At Empowered Ageing, we integrate these elements into our Vital Flow and Animal Flow programs, which promote strength and mobility in a playful, low-impact way.
4. Strengthens Social Connection
Play builds trust, connection, and community. It helps people feel safe expressing themselves and creates opportunities to bond through laughter and shared experience.
Our monthly events and group classes are designed to foster this kind of connection, which is a major contributor to wellbeing in later life.
5. Reconnects Us to the Inner Child
Many adults hide their playful side. Years of responsibility and seriousness can disconnect us from the joy we once felt in movement and imagination. Some people only feel playful after drinking alcohol — which suggests a deep human need for expression that has been suppressed.
We believe play should be available without needing to escape or numb. It is not childish or silly. It is a powerful form of self-care and healing.
Play Is a Life Skill — Not Just for Kids
Reclaiming play in later life is not frivolous. It’s courageous. It says:
"I still deserve joy. I still want to laugh. I still want to grow."
Play helps us stay adaptable, emotionally resilient, and physically vibrant. It improves our immune system, cardiovascular health, brain function, and overall outlook on life.
Scientific support: The Blue Zones Project, which studies the world’s longest-living populations, shows that regular joyful movement and a sense of playful purpose are key factors in their longevity and happiness.
How We Bring Play into Empowered Ageing
Animal Flow: gentle, creative movement that reconnects body and mind
- Vital Flow: low-impact classes that include rhythm, coordination, and expression
- Workshops and events: built around music, storytelling, and breath-based play
- Breathwork and somatic release sessions with Rivka: helping remove inner tension that blocks playfulness
- Community experiences that prioritise joy, exploration, and lightness
- We don’t just train bodies — we awaken joy.
Final Thought: You Don’t Grow Old Because You Play. You Grow Old Because You Stop Playing.
At Empowered Ageing, we have seen again and again that those who continue to explore, laugh, and play are the ones who age most gracefully — not just in body, but in spirit.
Play is not a luxury. It is part of what keeps us human.
Ready to Reclaim the Joy of Movement?
Visit www.em
poweredageing.eu to explore our group classes, private sessions, and workshops in Portimão, Lagos, and online.
Because there is no age limit on joy.