Play for Brain Health: The Secret Revealed

The Secret's Out: Play is the Ultimate Brain Health Hack

"I get younger every year" - and it's not just because I've got a great dermatologist. It's because I'm still getting on that merry-go-round of life, spinning round with reckless abandon, like a kid who refuses to leave the playground.

As an 85-year-old man, people often ask me for advice on aging well. And let me tell you, it's not about eating kale or taking supplements (although, don't get me wrong, I do love a good salad). It's about embracing play - that magical combination of curiosity, creativity, and movement that keeps our brains sharp as a tack.

I remember the first time I stumbled upon this realization. I was working with a group of seniors at a local community center, teaching them some basic pottery techniques. One of the participants, Mrs. Johnson (or "Jazz" to me), was struggling to get her wheel spinning smoothly. I knelt down beside her and said, "Hey Jazz, let's try something crazy - let go of your grip for a second." She looked at me like I was nuts, but she took a deep breath and gave it a shot.

Next thing I knew, that pot started spinning like a top (no pun intended). The look on Mrs. Johnson's face? Priceless. We high-fived (literally) and I said, "See, Jazz? That wasn't so hard, was it?" And in that moment, something shifted for her - and for me too.

It all comes back to neuroplasticity: our brains' incredible ability to reorganize and adapt throughout life. We often think of it as a fixed entity, but the truth is, with play, we can shape and mold our brain's pathways like a potter shaping clay.

The Science Says...

So what does research tell us about play and brain health? Well, for starters, studies have shown that engaging in activities that promote cognitive challenge (i.e., keeping your brain busy) can actually build new neurons and strengthen neural connections. It's like exercising a muscle - the more you use it, the stronger it gets!

One study published recently found that participants who engaged in creative activities showed significant improvements in memory and executive function. Another discovered that older adults who continued to learn new skills had lower rates of cognitive decline.

The Playground is Where It's At

Now, I know what you're thinking: "Stephen, this all sounds great, but how do I get started?" Don't worry; I'm not going to send you off to buy a bunch of fancy brain-training gadgets or enroll in some expensive workshop. Just head on over to the playground - literally.

Grab a friend (or two) and try something new together: join a pottery class, sign up for a dance lesson, or take a beginner's cooking course. Don't worry if you're not any good at it - that's the beauty of play: it's not about mastering an activity; it's about embracing the process.

Challenge both sides of your brain — every single day. If you're stuck in a rut, try something that combines creativity and movement, like painting or gardening. And remember: the playground doesn't care how old you are. It just wants to play!

Just Keep Moving

So what can you do TODAY on the playground? Here's my challenge:

* Pick one activity that sounds silly to you (I once saw a friend doing a backflip on a trampoline at 70 years young).

* Sign up for it.

* Commit to three practice sessions per week.

* Report back and share your progress with me!

That's it. That's the secret to brain health in a nutshell: play, challenge, repeat.

As I always say, "Never leave the playground." Come on down; we'll have some fun together.

**Join the Never Leave The Playground community today at neverleavetheplayground.com and get ready to spin that merry-go-round of life with reckless abandon!