Here’s my theory: if grown-ups spent more time
playing, we’d all be a lot healthier, happier, more productive, and less
stressed. So when I say my new book, The Art of Stone Skipping and Other Fun Old-Time Games, isn’t just for children, I mean it!
When’s the last time you played Red Rover or Leap
Frog—or bobbed for apples or went on a scavenger hunt? If you’re a teacher, a
parent with young children, or a grandparent, you probably get some pretty good
play opportunities. But for those who no longer—or haven’t ever—come in contact
with children, the concept of “play” may have become completely foreign.
That’s truly sad, because play is a key factor for enjoying good health—both physical and mental—as well as a long life. Numerous studies have documented these benefits for adults who play games:
That’s truly sad, because play is a key factor for enjoying good health—both physical and mental—as well as a long life. Numerous studies have documented these benefits for adults who play games:
- More creativity
- More laughter (which improves heart rate and lung capacity)
- Reduced blood pressure
- Decreased depression
- Longer lifespan
- Social skills and interaction
- Ethics
- Self-control
- Following rules and instructions
"What do most Nobel
Laureates, innovative entrepreneurs, artists and performers, well-adjusted
children, happy couples and families, and the most successfully adapted mammals
have in common? They play enthusiastically throughout their lives."
~ Stuart Brown, The National Institute for Play
Preserving
the Past for the Future
Did I write The Art of Stone Skipping and Other Fun
Old-Time Games for adults? Well, maybe. I mean, if we don’t pass on the ridiculous fun of balloon and egg tosses and
the hilarity of crab walking and sack races to the next generation, who will?
Mostly I wrote this book because I can’t stand to think that technology might wipe
out activities that have survived since the beginning of time. I love Pac-Man
as much as anyone but, frankly, it pales in comparison to the rollicking
adventure of Capture the Flag, and when electricity and batteries are not to be
had, a shadow puppet by candlelight will always be a bored child’s best friend.
My research also fueled a fascination with how
connected we are, globally speaking, through the games with which we grew up.
Keep-Away, which goes by at least four other names in various regions of the
U.S., is played in Africa under the name “Mbube, Mbube” (the Zulu word for
lion), and in almost every other country in the world. That beloved game has been
around since the 17th century and I saw it being played at an
apartment complex just last week. How many things can boast that kind of
longevity?!
But don’t take my word for it: listen to the presentation below by Dr. Stuart Brown, founder of the National Institute for Play, who says, “play is as important to humans as vitamins or sleep.” Dr. Brown gave this presentation as a TEDTalk in March 2009.
Or just watch my very favorite YouTube video, which shows that a little bit of creativity and a playful attitude can turn even the bleakest situation into a good time!
Posted by J. J. Ferrer, author of The Art of Stone Skipping and Other Fun Old-Time Games.
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