Learning to Play Again: The Science and Soul of Staying Young

“We don’t stop playing because we grow old. We grow old because we stop playing.” – George Bernard Shaw

Let’s be real—most of us grew up thinking that once we hit adulthood, it would be all serious business. Jobs, deadlines, maybe gym memberships and the odd brunch if we had time. But what if being young and then staying young wasn’t about age at all? What if it was about something as simple as having fun—like genuinely having fun, dancing in your socks, or laughing so hard you cry? As a 17-year-old who’s about to finish year 12 with uni just on the precipice, I’m starting to realize that growing up doesn’t mean growing boring.

Life: At the End of the Day, It’s a Playground

When was the last time you actually played? I’m not talking about scrolling TikTok or zoning out on Netflix. I mean doing something for the pure joy of it. Like running barefoot through the grass, building a blanket fort, or chasing your dog around the backyard. That kind of play just hits different—it’s energizing.

As Amy Rees Anderson put it, “Adults who laugh and play radiate a kind of youthful energy.” Their wrinkles aren’t just lines—they’re proof of a life filled with laughter, a life filled with joy. So maybe growing up shouldn’t mean giving up play. Maybe it simply means redefining it.

Staying Young: It Might Be a Science

Believe it or not, science backs up what kids and teens already know: play is powerful. It turns out your brain doesn’t just desire play, it actually needs play to stay young and sharp.

First off, play releases endorphins, which (for lack of a better term) are like nature’s chill pill. Endorphins reduce pain, lower stress, and just make you feel better. When you laugh, run around, or do something creative, your body rewards you with these mood-boosting chemicals that help you feel more alive and less anxious.

Next comes dopamine, a brain chemical that’s all about reward and motivation. You get a dopamine hit when you level up in a game, tell a joke that makes people laugh, or just by trying something totally new. It’s what keeps you going and helps you stay excited and engaged with whatever you’re doing.

Then there’s your prefrontal cortex—the part of your brain that helps you think clearly, make decisions, and control emotions. When you play, especially in creative or strategic ways, this part of your brain lights up. That keeps it strong, flexible, and ready for anything. It’s like a mental gym workout, except way more fun.

Play also boosts a brain protein called BDNF (brain-derived neurotrophic factor), which helps your brain grow and stay healthy. BDNF supports the connections between neurons and plays a huge role in learning and memory. So yes, being silly and active actually helps you think and remember better.

And don’t forget about cortisol, the hormone your body makes when you’re stressed. High cortisol levels can mess with almost everything, your sleep, your focus, and even your immune system. But guess what? Play helps lower cortisol naturally. Even a quick laugh or spontaneous dance session can help your body relax, helping suppress the effects of cortisol.

In short, your brain and body are quite literally wired to feel better when you play. It’s not just fun—it’s science-backed self-care.

Somewhere between childhood and now, pretty much all of us were told to “grow up”—and that meant ditching our toys and then subsequently our imagination. But honestly? That’s a loss. Because play isn’t just about passing time. It’s about creating joy and staying connected to what makes us feel alive.

The truth is, memories of game nights, beach trips, and water balloon fights stick with us for a reason. They’re reminders that life isn’t meant to be just work and responsibilities. Dr. Stuart Brown said it best: play is “something done for its own sake… it takes you out of time.” And sometimes, that’s exactly what we need.

Finding Your Personality: It’s a Play Thing

Everyone plays differently. Some people collect stuff. Others create, explore, or compete. There’s no “right” way to play—the key is finding your way. Whether it’s painting, skateboarding, writing music, or just goofing off with friends, if it lights you up, that’s your version of play.

Even small things count. Singing in the shower, drawing random doodles, or jumping on a trampoline can flip your whole mood. According to the LEGO Play Well Report, most adults know play is important—they’ve just forgotten how to actually do it. Maybe we can be the generation that reminds them.

Resigning Not From Work, But From Adulthood

Imagine quitting adulthood for a day. No stress, no bills, no meetings. Just pure fun. You could eat cereal for dinner, build a LEGO castle, or ride your bike with zero destination. What if we let ourselves be curious again, just like when we were seven?

What if play wasn’t just something you did when you were little—but something you keep doing to stay young?

Tag: The Game, Not the Price Kind

“Tag! You’re it!” That line is way more than a game starter—it’s a mindset. It’s about seeing

life not as a list of things to conquer, but a place to explore and enjoy.

Play isn’t silly—it’s essential. It keeps us flexible, fearless, and full of life. So today, give yourself permission to laugh, dance, build something weird, or just chase your little sibling around the yard. Because the secret to staying young? It’s not magic. It’s play.

At the end of the day, the game isn’t over. Actually, it’s just getting good.