The global population is undergoing a profound demographic shift towards older age groups, raising important questions about how societies can support cognitive, social and emotional wellbeing in later life. This essay examines the growing relevance of adult play, particularly through non-digital and hybrid forms such as board games, as one avenue for addressing these challenges. Drawing on evidence from developmental and health psychology, it considers how play differs in adulthood, explores the analogue revival trend, and evaluates the benefits of such activities for older adults. The discussion also addresses persistent societal misconceptions that frame games merely as frivolous, contrasting these views with research highlighting broader developmental and health outcomes.
The Demographic Context of Population Ageing
The 2019 revision of the World Population Prospects indicates that by 2050 approximately 16 per cent of the global population will be aged 65 or older, up from 11 per cent in 2019. Regional variations are striking: Europe and North America are projected to have around one-quarter of their populations in this age bracket. The United Nations World Social Report 2023 further emphasises that the world population reached eight billion in late 2022, with the number of people aged 65 and above expected to rise from 761 million in 2021 to 1.6 billion by 2050. These figures underline that older adults now constitute the fastest-growing segment of the world population, presenting substantial public-health implications.
From a psychological standpoint, this shift necessitates attention to activities that sustain mental functioning and social connectedness. Older adults face elevated risks of cognitive decline, loneliness and reduced emotional wellbeing; interventions that promote active engagement are therefore increasingly relevant.
Adult Play and the Analogue Revival
Play in adulthood differs markedly from childhood play, requiring a developmentally sensitive approach that acknowledges changing cognitive capacities, social roles and life experience (Shen and Masek, 2024). Far from being a childish pursuit, adult playfulness can support creativity, problem-solving and emotional regulation. Recent years have witnessed a notable resurgence of interest in non-digital games. Board-game sales have risen steadily since the mid-2010s, accelerated during the COVID-19 pandemic, and continue to be forecast to grow. Theorists link this analogue revival to broader reactions against pervasive digital media, echoing earlier revivals in vinyl records and film photography.
Importantly, the boundary between digital and analogue need not be absolute. Many traditional games have migrated to digital platforms, yet physical versions offer distinct affordances for tactile interaction and face-to-face communication. Hybrid approaches that combine accessible digital tools with analogue formats can make play more inclusive, as illustrated by adaptations such as tactile Scrabble sets developed for visually impaired players in Lithuania. Such innovations demonstrate that non-digital play can be enhanced rather than supplanted by technology, aligning with arguments that contemporary board games have become more socially acceptable and widely available (Booth, 2021).
Psychological and Health Benefits of Play in Later Life
Research consistently associates playful engagement with multiple positive outcomes. Play can foster internal locus of control, strengthen social competencies, stimulate higher-order cognitive processes and reduce stress, thereby contributing to emotional security. Longitudinal observations suggest that individuals who experienced limited opportunities for play during childhood may show heightened vulnerability to certain mental-health difficulties and greater fear of failure in adulthood. In later life, regular participation in cognitively stimulating leisure activities, including board games, has been linked to lower risks of dementia and other neurodegenerative conditions.
These findings are particularly pertinent given the demographic trends outlined earlier. Maintaining health in an expanding older population constitutes a significant public-health challenge; accessible, low-cost activities such as group board-game sessions offer one scalable approach to supporting both cognitive reserve and social integration. Moreover, the social dimension of many non-digital games directly addresses isolation, a recognised risk factor for depression and cognitive decline among older adults.
Societal Perceptions and Remaining Challenges
Despite accumulating evidence, games are still frequently dismissed as mere time-wasting or frivolous entertainment. This view persists in everyday discourse and some dictionary definitions, overlooking the broader psychological functions of play. Such misconceptions can discourage older adults from participating in potentially beneficial activities. Nevertheless, the documented advantages—ranging from enhanced creativity and problem-solving to tangible reductions in dementia risk—challenge these narrow interpretations. A more balanced public understanding, informed by psychological research, would recognise play as a lifelong resource rather than an age-limited pastime.
Conclusion
The convergence of population ageing and renewed interest in analogue play presents both challenges and opportunities for psychology. Older adults stand to gain meaningful cognitive, emotional and social benefits from thoughtfully designed play experiences, whether purely non-digital or hybrid in nature. By moving beyond outdated notions of games as trivial, practitioners and policymakers can better harness these activities to promote healthy ageing. Future research might usefully examine optimal formats for different subgroups of older adults, yet current evidence already supports the integration of playful engagement into strategies aimed at sustaining wellbeing across the lifespan.
References
- Booth, P. (2021) Board Games as Media. New York: Bloomsbury Academic.
- Shen, X. and Masek, L. (2024) ‘Play across the lifespan: A developmental perspective’, Developmental Psychology, 60(2), pp. 245–259.
- United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (2022) World Population Prospects 2022: Summary of Results. New York: United Nations.
- United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs (2023) World Social Report 2023: Leaving No One Behind in an Ageing World. New York: United Nations.
- World Health Organization (2024) Ageing and Health. Geneva: World Health Organization.
