For many, the idea of “playing” ends in childhood. When we were working and raising a family, we didn’t have much time to play. We had important things to do and playing was often seen as wasting time. Then when we reach that stage in life when we have more time, we don’t play enough.
But we should play more. Play has numerous mental and physical health benefits. It stimulates the mind, nurtures creativity, and boosts overall happiness while relieving daily stresses: Health, family, or financial issues. And what may be most important is that engaging in play with others can create lasting friendships.
There are many types of play to consider.
Constructive play? Remember how much fun it was playing with Legos? You can now buy Lego Sets and even Erector Sets for adults. What better way to impress your grandchildren?
Games and Puzzles? There’s pinochle, poker, checkers and brain teasers, crossword puzzles, and jigsaw puzzles (which are addictive!).
Physical play? Pickleball, boogie boarding, golf, cycling. Or you can let it loose gyrating on the dance floor with your partner, imagining you are on American Bandstand.
Outdoor play? There’s gardening or walking your favorite nature preserve, watching nature bloom. Although I always thought pulling weeds was a little too close to nature.
Creative play? Creating something new that no one has ever made — maybe something no one would ever want to make! But who cares if it brings you joy and a sense of accomplishment. It could be painting, writing, knitting, or creating that one-of-a-kind quilt.
Imaginative Play? When was the last time you dressed up and played make-believe? Maybe a lightsaber fight with your grandchildren?
Travel and Exploration? Exploring new places, trying new foods, and experiencing different cultures can be playful and adventurous.
Humor and Laughter? Whether through watching comedies, or sharing age-old jokes with friends, humor contributes to a lighthearted and playful attitude.
Play is not restricted by age. How we play may change: No longer doing somersaults or engaging in silly fun. But no matter our age or physical condition it is never too late to find a way to play. As the well-traveled quote by George Bernard Shaw reminds us, “We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.”
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There is a Scam Prevention Event at Hood River Valley Adult Center on May 30 — resource tables from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., and from 1-2 p.m., Ellen Klem with the Department of Justice will give a presentation to help you stop the fraud before it starts and teach you how to alert others so they can avoid becoming victims.
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BRAIN TEASE: See if you can answer this tease without paper and pencil.
Three playing cards in a row. Can you name them with these clues? There is a two to the right of a king. A diamond will be found to the left of a spade. An ace is to the left of a heart. A heart is to the left of a spade. Now, identify all three cards.
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The irreverent World War II novel by Joseph Heller published in 1961 that follows the life of Captain John Yossarian, a U.S. Army Air Forces B-25 bombardier is “Catch-22.” I received correct answers from Donna Mollet, Kathy Bullack, Dave Lutgens, Jim Tindall, Craig Terry, Mike Nagle, Tina Castanares, Judy Kiser, Bruce Johnson, Pat Evenson-Brady, Dan Ericksen, Lana Tepfer, Doug Nelson, Rebecca Abrams, and Julya Hoffman, this week’s winner of a quilt raffle ticket.
This person served as chairman and president of American Motors Corporation when they introduced America’s first successful compact car, the Rambler American, and later served as governor of Michigan. For this week’s “Remember When” question what was the name of this American businessman and politician? Email your answer to mcseniorcenter@gmail.com, leave a message at 541-296-4788, or return it with a picture of his son who was governor of Massachusetts.
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Well, it’s been another week trying to stay on track without getting railroaded. Until we meet again, find a little time to just be silly.
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“When in doubt, make a fool of yourself. There is a microscopically thin line between brilliantly creative and acting like the most gigantic idiot on earth. So what the hell, leap.”
— Cynthia Heimel
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Nutritious home-delivered and in-person meals are available at noon Monday through Friday unless otherwise noted.
Seniors of Mosier Valley (541-980-1157) — Wednesdays with music on 2nd and 4th Wednesdays; Mt. Hood Townhall (541-308-5997) — Tuesdays; Hood River Valley Adult Center (541-386-2060); Sherman County Senior and Community Center (541-565-3191); The Dalles Meals-on-Wheels (541-298-8333).
For meal sites in Washington, call Klickitat County Senior Services: Goldendale office (509-773-3757) or the White Salmon office (509-493-3068), and in Skamania County call Senior Services (509-427-3990).
Brain-tease answer: Ace of diamonds, king of Hearts, Two of Spades.
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