Key Takeaways
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Engaging in joyful, playful activities can help buffer stress, support brain health, and promote emotional resilience as you age.
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Scientific research has linked leisure and play to a longer lifespan, better cognitive function, and improved physical health in older adults.
- Prioritising “feel-good” experiences may be one of the most underrated — and enjoyable — paths to healthy ageing.
Did you know dolphins play well into old age — and they live surprisingly long lives. Coincidence? Maybe not. Just like dolphins, we humans seem wired to seek joy, novelty, and connection throughout life. And research now shows that engaging in playful, meaningful activities may do more than just lift your mood — it might actually help you age more gracefully.
In today’s world, where ageing well is as much about how you feel as how you function, adding more joy to your day could be one of the most powerful — and enjoyable — lifestyle changes you can make.
Why Play Isn’t Just for Kids
When you hear the word “play”, you might think of kids on a playground. But in scientific terms, play refers to any activity done for pure enjoyment — whether it's dancing, painting, surfing, gardening, or telling jokes with friends. These moments of playfulness aren’t frivolous; they’re deeply connected to brain and body health.
In fact, a study published in The Journals of Gerontology found that engaging in leisure activities was strongly associated with lower risk of mortality and improved physical functioning in older adults (R). Another review in Frontiers in Psychology highlighted that playful adults tend to have higher cognitive flexibility, emotional balance, and stress resilience (R).
Put simply, doing what brings you joy can spark physiological and psychological responses that benefit your whole system.
How Playfulness Supports Brain Health and Cognitive Vitality
Your brain thrives on novelty, creativity, and stimulation — which is exactly what play provides. Research shows that engaging in mentally stimulating leisure activities can promote neuroplasticity, the brain’s ability to reorganise itself by forming new neural connections.
One long-term study known as the Mayo Clinic Study of Aging found that older adults who regularly engaged in artistic hobbies, such as painting or drawing, had a reduced risk of developing mild cognitive impairment (R). Even playing card games or doing puzzles has been linked with slower cognitive decline.
What’s happening here is both structural and chemical: Playful activities boost dopamine (a neurotransmitter tied to motivation and learning) and may also help preserve grey matter in brain areas associated with memory, problem-solving, and emotional regulation.
The Emotional Power of Joy
Ageing doesn’t come without challenges — but cultivating joy and lightness may make those challenges feel more manageable. Playful experiences have been shown to reduce cortisol levels (the hormone linked with stress), while enhancing the release of endorphins, serotonin, and oxytocin — all of which help improve mood, connection, and emotional resilience (R).
In a 2012 study published in The Journals of Gerontology, older adults who maintained positive affect by engaging in enjoyable activities were significantly less likely to exhibit signs of chronic inflammation—a known contributor to age-related diseases (R). The takeaway? Joy is more than a feeling — it’s a biological response that supports overall health.
Whether it’s laughing with your grandchildren, joining a community choir, or working on your pet project, prioritising these little pleasures can have outsized benefits.
The Physical Health Benefits of Joyful Activity
Not all movement has to happen at the gym. Many older Australians are rediscovering the power of movement that feels more like play than exercise — think dancing, hiking, beach cricket, or barefoot gardening.
Studies show that people who engage in leisure-time physical activity (the kind done for fun) have lower risks of cardiovascular disease, better balance, stronger bones, and improved longevity (R). Even light-intensity activities, such as walking while chatting with a friend, can promote circulation, joint mobility, and metabolic function when done with joy.
So, instead of dragging yourself to a workout that feels like a chore, you might get better results by simply doing something you love — regularly and with enthusiasm.
Social Play and the Longevity Connection
Play is often social — and that’s no accident. Humans are innately wired for connection, and social engagement is a critical piece of healthy ageing. In fact, loneliness has been shown to be worse for health than obesity or smoking (R).
When play involves others — whether it’s a book club, a community garden, or a weekly trivia night — it strengthens social bonds and promotes a sense of purpose. These social ties can help you stay mentally sharp, emotionally grounded, and even live longer.
Designing a Life That Leaves Room for Fun
In our productivity-obsessed culture, play can feel indulgent — but when it comes to ageing well, it’s essential. Rather than viewing joyful activities as "extra", try seeing them as part of your core wellbeing practice. Here are a few science-informed ways to add more play to your life:
Follow your curiosity: Try a class, hobby, or skill that interests you — no performance required.
Block out playtime: Schedule fun like you would a doctor’s appointment — because your brain and body depend on it.
Reconnect with childhood joys: What did you love to do as a kid? Chances are, it still sparks delight.
Play with others: Social play adds layers of connection, laughter, and cognitive stimulation.
By carving out time for what you enjoy, you’re not only making life richer — you may also be supporting your body’s ability to age more gracefully.
What This Means for You — Play May Be a Path to Longevity
You don’t need to overhaul your life or chase eternal youth. Sometimes, the simplest pleasures are the most powerful tools for staying vibrant. If you’ve been feeling like life has become all routine and no play, that’s your sign to start injecting joy back into your days.
Interested in exploring other ways you can bring joy into your life? Read our blog: Purpose as a Lifespan Predictor: Why What You Wake Up For Matters.
