“We don’t stop playing because we grow old;
we grow old because we stop playing.”
— George Bernard Shaw —
“We don’t stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.”
— George Bernard Shaw —
SKILL
What is play, exactly? Play is more than an activity — it’s a state of being. It is voluntary, joyful and done for its own sake. It might look like laughter with friends, tinkering in the garage, dancing in the kitchen, telling a joke or getting lost in a favorite hobby. Across cultures and lifespans, humans (and animals) signal play through smiles, laughter and open, inviting gestures. These signals say: this is safe, this is fun, come join me.
In recent decades, free, unstructured play has declined. Children have less recess at school, fewer opportunities to roam and more structured activities. Adults, too, often push play aside, replacing it with achievement and obligation. Even in our digital age, where play has evolved into gaming, creative online communities and virtual realities, the benefits depend on how play is used — for connection, creativity, and joy, or for escape and distraction.
Yet, just like sleep or nutrition, play is biologically essential. It sparks joy, strengthens connection, fuels creativity and helps us adapt to challenges. Permission to Play is about reclaiming the right to play, and play often. Play is not limited to childhood or to certain personalities — it is for everyone, at every age. What matters is not how you play, but that you allow yourself the freedom to do it. When we give ourselves and others permission to play, we tap into one of the most powerful drivers of
happiness and wellbeing.
Researcher Spotlight: Dr. Stuart Brown
Stuart Brown, MD, is a pioneering psychiatrist and researcher who has spent decades studying the power of play. He founded the National Institute for Play and is the author of Play: How It Shapes the Brain, Opens the Imagination, and Invigorates the Soul. Through interviews with thousands of individuals — from everyday people to highly successful professionals — Brown demonstrates that play is not frivolous, but fundamental to creativity, problem-solving, and human connection. His research highlights eight distinct “play personalities,” offering people practical ways to rediscover joy in their own lives. Brown’s central message is simple yet profound: play is essential for wellbeing, and when we lose touch with it, we risk losing part of what makes us fully human.
SCIENCE
Research shows that play is a cornerstone of human development and flourishing. Neuroscientists have identified dedicated brain systems for play in mammals, underscoring its biological necessity. When we play, these circuits activate to help us regulate emotions, strengthen executive functioning and build resilience. In contrast, when animals or humans are deprived of play, they exhibit deficits in social competence, emotional health and flexibility.
Across the lifespan, play shapes how we learn, connect and adapt. In childhood, play supports cognitive growth, creativity and the development of identity. For adults, playfulness is linked to higher life satisfaction, greater stress resilience and more flexible problem solving. In later life, playful activities — from games and hobbies to group movement and creative arts — help maintain mobility, protect brain health and foster social connection. For autistic individuals, play may take forms that are often overlooked, such as sensory exploration, special interest activities or parallel play rather than conventional pretend games. Signals of play — like sharing an object, scripting a favorite line or arranging patterns — may not always be recognized by neurotypical adults, leading to missed opportunities for joy and connection. Research highlights that play-based interventions are most effective when adults follow the child’s lead, validate diverse play styles, and create safe, joyful contexts.
BENEFITS
People who give themselves permission to play are more likely to experience:
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- Increased joy, laughter, and positive emotions
- Enhanced creativity, imagination, and problem-solving
- Improved stress regulation and emotional wellbeing
- Stronger relationships and social bonds
- Greater resilience and flexibility in the face of challenges
- Higher life satisfaction and meaning across the lifespan
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For autistic individuals, honoring diverse play styles can also lead to:
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- Improved social connection and communication
- Reduced anxiety and stress
- Enhanced emotional regulation
- Greater self-expression and belonging
- Increased opportunities for joy and flow through special interests
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