The Value of Intergenerational Play

New research by the AARP has revealed the importance of play for people of all ages. Predominantly associated with younger people, play in fact is crucial for a sense of well-being, especially when it comes to forging connections inter-generationally. Intergenerational Contact Zones (ICZs) are known to foster social inclusion and a sense of belonging across diverse members of the community, enlivening public spaces. A global literature review has found that spaces that have successfully encouraged intergenerational engagement provided opportunities in these three areas: teaching, playing, or observing. Design, as always, is critical in shaping public spaces into places for play.

Why is Play so Important?

Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play, explains “Play is a basic human need as essential to our well-being as sleep.” By releasing endorphins, which are known to reduce stress, improve mood and enhance cognitive function, play gives our mental and physical wellbeing a natural boost. Play has also been tied to increased compassion, empathy, communication skills and emotional regulation, helping improve social connections. Brown also states “play deprivation can [cause us to] get cranky, rigid, feel stuck in a rut, or feel victimised by life.”

“We need to incorporate it [play] into our everyday lives, not just wait for that two week vacation every year.”

How can we include older people?

While intergenerational play has many benefits across the community, spaces which were previously designed for younger people need to be redesigned to suit the needs of older users. Increasing accessibility and providing adequate seating are common adjustments, with toy & play space manufacturers recently offering new age-friendly equipment for installation.

Intergenerational Contact Zones suggests that nearly any space could “have an element of play that calls us out of our everyday age-segregated worlds and invites us to establish new relationships, unfolding in unexpected ways but without any genuine risk.” Within every city are places able to facilitate play and leisure – doing so would improve the sense of community and general wellbeing of its residents.