Except from Lakeview Village’s blog post, The Power of Play: Building the Blueprint for a Happier Community:
“Play is often associated with children — we see them playing on playgrounds or with toys and games — but we often overlook that play is an essential part of life for everyone… it just looks a little different as we age,” says Matthew Marsili, Senior Development Manager at Argo Development Corporation and a part of the Lakeview Community Partners Limited.
Defined broadly, play happens whenever someone voluntarily takes part in an activity they find enjoyable and that involves some level of imagination, creativity, and spontaneity.
“For adults, play can look like someone enjoying a pick-up game of soccer with a friend or playing chess with a neighbour. For someone else, it could involve them walking through a park en route to an arts festival or sitting on a patio and engaging in some light-hearted conversation and fun. It’s something everyone needs more of — and it’s something we’re focused on integrating into the design plans for Lakeview Village.”
Matthew is right. The benefits of play — regardless of one’s age or stage of life — are well-documented. “For all of these reasons, it’s absolutely critical that people be given easy access to opportunities to play every day,” says Matthew.
Expanding the Mind
For children, play is critical for cognitive development. It enhances brain structure and function, facilitating learning and problem-solving skills. Research by the Canadian Paediatric Society highlights that play promotes healthy brain development, aids in the mastery of complex social and cognitive skills, and fosters creativity. It holds the same benefits for seniors.
Reducing Stress
Engaging in playful activities helps to lower cortisol levels, the hormone associated with stress, and increases endorphins, which are natural mood lifters. According to a study published in the American Journal of Play, adults who regularly engage in playful activities report a 40% reduction in stress levels and a 30% increase in overall life satisfaction. A report by the National Institute for Play even found that engaging in regular play can reduce the risk of stress-related illnesses by up to 50%.
Cultivating Connection
Activities that involve others — whether it’s a team sport, a board game, or a playful conversation — foster connection and improve social skills. According to one study, play is fundamental in maintaining strong social networks and improving interpersonal relationships, which are crucial for emotional well-being. The research indicates that individuals who engage in regular social play are 60% more likely to report having strong, supportive peers.
Calming the Mind
Engaging in playful activities provides a sense of joy and satisfaction that can counteract negative emotions. Play therapy — a psychological approach where play is used as a medium to help individuals express their feelings and resolve conflicts — is particularly effective in treating mental health issues in children and adults. Studies indicate that play therapy can reduce symptoms of depression by up to 45% and anxiety by up to 50%.
To me as an artist and visual art teacher, play means taking the opportunity to connect to the world in imaginative and creative ways. It means opening up to untapped potential and dreaming about what could be. Through play, all ages can learn, connect, and discover more about ourselves, each other, and our world. Play is a gift we can give ourselves and in return it can strengthen our bodies, minds, and relationships.
Joanne Feely DeGraaf”
