Remember that feeling as a child as soon as the school bell rang, signifying the end of science and the start of the very best part of the day: recess? There was a tremendous sense of freedom bounding out onto the playground, leaving behind the stress of school work for a brief period of unstructured play.
Regrettably, for a lot of adults, this is nothing but a fond but distant memory. Nevertheless, is it possible, and even beneficial, to recapture the pleasure of playing? Experts like Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play, answer with a resounding YES. As he details, “Play is something done for its own sake. It’s voluntary, it’s pleasurable, it offers a sense of engagement, it takes you out of time. And the act itself is more important than the outcome.”
The primary benefits of play, regardless of a person’s age, include:
- To be connected: Particularly in our smartphone-driven culture today, making time to engage with others in person is key to our social wellness – whether through sports, card groups, weekly board game competitions, or other shared hobbies and interests.
- To sharpen the mind: Even though the jury is still out on the success of memory games in lessening the chance of developing Alzheimer’s disease, there is benefit to be gained in enhancing thinking and problem-solving techniques.
- To strengthen relationships: The everyday pressures inherent in many of our relationships are eased when a feeling of playfulness is incorporated, prompting stronger bonds as well as the ability to better conquer difficulties if they arise.
Squeezing time out from an overloaded schedule to simply play can seem unlikely. Yet with some help from Independence-4-Seniors Home Care, a much more fulfilling lifestyle can quickly become a real possibility. We are readily available for as much or as little help as needed, offering a wide range of services for older adults, including:
- Planning and preparing meals
- Food shopping, picking up medications, and other errands
- Light housekeeping and laundry
- Personal care assistance such as aiding with bathing and dressing
- Transportation and accompaniment to medical appointments and fun outings
- Companionship to take part in discussions, reminiscing, exercising, games, and pleasurable hobbies
- And so much more
Achieve a proper life balance by permitting us to help, while you take a breather. Call our DuPage County home care experts any time at (630) 323-4665 for more information!