Play is for everyone Adolescents
Adults
Teenagers may not call it play, but the time spent with their friends or on their own, without being told what to do, is their version of play. Teenage play is predominantly social, having the freedom to decide for themselves or as a group how to have fun. Analysis of teenage behaviour during play shows that their behaviour mimics and practices being an adult, which is positive for their development. It is important to provide safe spaces and opportunities for this.
The importance of play for children is well documented. Increasingly researchers are turning their attention to play benefits for adults. Play can be a very important means of reducing stress and contributing to overall wellbeing. Play is a basic human need as essential to our wellbeing as sleep, so when we are low on play, our minds and bodies notice. Over time play deprivation can reveal itself in certain patterns of behaviour – feeling tense, stuck in a rut or victimised by life. To benefit most from the rejuvenating benefits of play, adults need to incorporate it into their everyday lives.
“Activities that can help us restore or prolong our vitality are essential.”
Play opportunities for adults can include, but are not limited to: • Walking the dog • Sporting activities • Collecting stamps • Playing a musical instrument • Allotment gardening • Joining a volunteer group. Adults are advised to think back to the play they enjoyed as a child and try to connect that to their life now.
“Age should not be a barrier to play. The importance of play cannot be overstated. This is true for everybody, not just children.” Elderly As many of us reach our later years, we can become more prone to issues affecting health and happiness. Having fun is a lot more powerful than we may have previously understood. Scientific studies continue to show that play and fun activities can have several major benefits for the elderly including:
Play opportunities for the elderly can include, but are not limited to: • Gardening • Bird watching • Walking groups • Arts and crafts
• Improving mental sharpness, memory and the ability to learn new things.
• Flower arranging
• Enabling seniors to make new friends or improve existing relationships and decrease a sense of loneliness.
• Dancing
• Bowling • Singing.
• Enhancing your mental and emotional wellbeing, reduce your stress and prevent depression. • Improving physical vitality, boost the immune system, reduce risk of illness and minimize perception of any existing pain.
MEA Out to Play Strategy 2019-2023
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