Never Leave The Playground: Playful Movement for Life

I Get Younger Every Year

As I bounded across the playground, dodging swings and leaping over monkey bars with a group of giggling children, a young mom stared in awe. "How old are you?" she asked, incredulous. I grinned mischievously. "85. And getting younger every year." She laughed, shaking her head. "You're an inspiration!" I beamed with pride. That's what happens when you Never Leave The Playground.

My Story: Falling Down and Getting Back Up

I've spent decades studying movement education, but it wasn't until I tripped on the playground in my early 70s that I truly appreciated its magic. I landed hard on my rear end, bruised and shaken. Yet, as I sat there, something strange happened: I felt a surge of excitement. That's when I realized that the playground didn't care how old you are – it only cared if you were willing to have fun.

Determined to regain my balance (literally), I began incorporating playful movement into my daily routine. Within weeks, my coordination improved, and I was bounding across the playground like a kid again. That's when I knew: Never leave the playground.

The Science of Playful Movement

Research supports what I'd discovered through experience. Studies show that play can make adults feel happier and less stressed (1). But it's not just about feeling good – playful movement has real-world benefits. It rebuilds balance, coordination, and confidence at any age (2), which is precisely why I created the simple, step-by-step practice on my website: Never Leave The Playground.

Playful brains, as neuroscientists are now calling them, may diminish in frequency and spontaneity over time, but that doesn't mean we can't reignite them. Research suggests that playful behaviors can even offset age-related cognitive decline (3). In other words, playfulness is a potent tool for maintaining cognitive function well into old age.

Challenge Both Sides of Your Brain

Now it's your turn to get moving – and have fun doing it! Here are three practical steps to incorporate playful movement into your daily routine:

1. **Find Your Inner Child**: Engage in activities that bring out the kid in you: climbing, swinging, skipping (yes, skipping!). Don't worry if you look silly – just keep moving.

2. **Challenge Your Balance**: Try a new balance activity each week, like single-leg squats or balance boards. As your brain adapts, so will your body.

3. **Get Creative**: Express yourself through movement with dance, tai chi, or even pottery (if that's my style!). Remember: the playground doesn't care how old you are – it only cares if you're willing to have fun.

Just Keep Moving

As I look back on my 85 years, I realize that the secret to aging well is simple: Never Leave The Playground. Don't let age define your movement or your joy. Challenge both sides of your brain every single day. Get playful, get creative, and most importantly – just keep moving.

Visit neverleavetheplayground.com for more playful movement practices, inspiring stories, and the simple step-by-step guide to rebuild balance, coordination, and confidence at any age.

Until next time, remember: I get younger every year – you can too. Never Leave The Playground!