Playing for Keeps

(EDISON, NJ)—The apartment is quiet. Soft morning light pours through her kitchen window. Jennifer Gutierrez, 62, opens her Bible, reading slowly and reflectively. Afterward, she moves her body in a wide stretch, loosening limbs and lifting tension. She walks outside, breathing in the day.

As a children’s recreation aide, Gutierrez is preparing for retirement. But she has no plans of slowing down. Her hobbies may look different now than they did in her younger years—back when she was dancing at Madison Square Garden concerts for Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Bruce Springsteen, and Rod Stewart. 

Still, for Gutierrez, play is essential. These days, she prefers bowling with her son Bruce, playing guitar at nursing homes, reading, meditating, and taking daily walks—staying active in mind, body, and spirit.

And she’s not alone. A global report published in Nature Medicine in September 2023 found that older adults who have hobbies have better mental health, less stress, and greater life satisfaction.

Woody Kim with his Corvette. [Credit: Jannelle Andes]

“It’s the most wonderful feeling in the world,” Kim said. “It’s like living your childhood dreams again.” 

While some rediscover childhood passions later in life, Aaron D. of Queens, 34, said, “One of my favorite things to do is browse the pink aisle at stores to see today’s version of Barbie—something I used to do in secret as a child.” Now, he can afford to make his Barbie dreams come true.

Betty Ming Liu, a professor at New York University and life and career coach, helps clients who struggle to prioritize play by reconnecting with their inner child. She said, “When I first started coaching and teaching, and when I talk about play, everyone’s like that’s so cringey. But now people are into it.”

A recent study found that not only are adults making time for play, but 67% of them also have more than one hobby, reflecting a growing focus on personal well-being and joy.

Jennifer Gutierrez playing guitar. [Credit: Jannelle Andes]

There’ll be no sorrow there,

No more burdens to bear,

No more sickness, no more pain,

No more parting over there;

But forever I will be,

With the One who died for me,

What a day, glorious day that will be.

When asked how she felt while playing, Gutierrez smiled and said, “Like I’m in heaven.”