Why We Never Really Outgrow Playing

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Ask a child what they enjoy doing, and they’ll probably answer without hesitation. Playing, building, drawing, singing, kicking a ball around, or making up stories all come naturally.

Somewhere along the way, many adults stop doing those things. Life becomes busy with work, raising families, paying bills, and meeting responsibilities. Play quietly slips down the priority list.

Retirement offers a chance to bring some of it back.

Playing doesn’t have to mean board games or children’s toys. It can be anything that sparks curiosity and makes you lose track of time. It might be learning the ukulele, trying watercolour painting, tackling a jigsaw puzzle, or joining a community theatre group. The activity itself matters less than the enjoyment it brings.

There’s also good reason to make room for play. Activities that are fun and creative can reduce stress, encourage social interaction, and keep the mind engaged. They remind us that not every hour needs to be productive to be worthwhile.

Many retirees admit they initially feel guilty spending time on hobbies that don’t have a clear purpose. But enjoyment is a purpose. So is laughter. So is trying something simply because it makes you smile.

If you’re not sure where to begin, think back to what you loved doing before life became busy. Chances are those interests are still there, waiting to be rediscovered.

Growing older doesn’t mean becoming serious all the time. In fact, the freedom to enjoy simple pleasures may be one of retirement’s greatest gifts.

After all, nobody reaches the end of a crossword, finishes a painting, or wins a game of cards and thinks, “Well, that was a waste of time.”