Play: The Secret to Brain Health and Aging Well

I still remember the day I first climbed onto the high bar at the local playground. I was a spry 8-year-old, full of beans and convinced I could conquer anything. Little did I know that same sense of wonder and fearlessness would stay with me for the rest of my life, and become the foundation of my approach to aging. As I've grown older, I've come to realize that the key to staying young isn't about trying to recapture the past, but about continuing to challenge myself and stay engaged in the present. And for me, that means never leaving the playground.

My Life on the Playground

As a child, the playground was my happy place – a space where I could run, jump, and climb without a care in the world. But as I grew older, my relationship with the playground evolved. I began to appreciate the physical and mental challenges it presented, and the sense of accomplishment I felt when I overcame them. As a professor at the University of Central Florida, I would often take my students on field trips to the playground, where we would use the equipment to illustrate complex scientific concepts. And as a potter, I found that the creative process of shaping and molding clay was similar to the process of navigating the playground – both required a combination of physical skill and mental focus.

But it wasn't until I reached my 60s that I realized the true importance of play in maintaining cognitive function and physical health. I had begun to notice that many of my friends and colleagues were slowing down, and struggling to stay engaged in activities they had once loved. And I realized that the key to avoiding this fate was to continue challenging myself, both physically and mentally. So I made a conscious decision to never leave the playground – to keep moving, and to keep pushing myself to try new things.

The Science of Play

So what exactly is play, and why is it so important for our health and well-being? Play is often thought of as something that is only relevant to children, but the truth is that it is essential for people of all ages. When we play, we are challenging ourselves physically and mentally, and building new connections in our brains. This process, known as neuroplasticity, is essential for maintaining cognitive function and preventing age-related decline. And it's not just about cognitive function – play has also been shown to have a positive impact on our physical health, reducing stress and anxiety, and improving our mood and overall sense of well-being.

But what is considered play for adults? Is it simply a matter of going out and buying a bunch of toys, or is there something more to it? For me, play is about approaching life with a sense of curiosity and wonder – being open to new experiences, and willing to take risks. It's about challenging both sides of my brain, every single day, and finding new ways to stay engaged and active. And it's about never leaving the playground – always being willing to try new things, and to push myself outside of my comfort zone.

Practical Steps

So how can you start incorporating more play into your life? For me, it's all about finding activities that are fun and engaging, and that challenge me in new and interesting ways. One of my favorite things to do is to try new movements and activities on the playground – whether it's climbing on the jungle gym, or playing a game of tag with my friends. I also love to take classes and workshops, where I can learn new skills and meet new people. And I make sure to schedule time for play into my daily routine, whether it's a quick trip to the playground, or a longer excursion into the woods.

One practical step you can take today is to find a playground near you, and take a trip down the slide. That's right – I said take a trip down the slide. It's a great way to get your heart rate up, and to challenge your sense of balance and coordination. And it's also a lot of fun – who doesn't love the feeling of flying down a slide, and landing with a thud at the bottom? Another step you can take is to try a new movement or activity – whether it's rock climbing, or playing a musical instrument. The key is to find something that you enjoy, and that challenges you in new and interesting ways.

The Importance of Lifelong Education

As we age, it's easy to get stuck in a rut, and to stop challenging ourselves. But the truth is that lifelong education is essential for maintaining cognitive function and physical health. When we stop learning, we start to decline – and it's as simple as that. So how can you continue to challenge yourself, and stay engaged in the learning process? For me, it's all about finding new activities and interests, and pursuing them with passion and enthusiasm. Whether it's taking a class, or reading a book, the key is to stay curious, and to keep learning.

What is lifelong education, exactly? For me, it's about approaching life as a journey of discovery, rather than a destination. It's about being open to new experiences, and willing to take risks. And it's about never stopping – always being willing to learn, and to grow. Whether you're 8 or 80, the playground is a great place to start – a place where you can challenge yourself, and have fun at the same time.

Closing

As I look back on my life, I am reminded of the importance of play in maintaining cognitive function and physical health. And I am grateful for the playground, which has been my happy place for so many years. So I'll leave you with this – never leave the playground. The playground doesn't care how old you are, and it's always ready for you to come and play. Challenge both sides of your brain, every single day, and you'll be amazed at what you can accomplish. I get younger every year, and you can too. Just keep moving, and never stop playing. Visit neverleavetheplayground.com to learn more, and to start your own journey of playful discovery.