Play your way healthier!

Surprise! Your favorite summer games and pastimes improve your body and mind.

- GABRIELLE LICHTERMAN

Playing with the grandkids lengthens your life

Enjoying a round of tag or hide-and-seek with your grandchildren ensures a fun time for them and leads to a longer life for you, Swiss research reveals. Watching after little ones activates a biological "caregiver response" that tamps down stress. This, in turn, improves a wide range of health-preserving processes, such as keeping your immune system strong and helping you recover faster from infection.

Amplify joy with pickleball

Find a nearby pickleball court at Pickleheads.com, then grab your paddle and get ready to smile. Florida State University researchers found that people over 50 who regularly play pickleball are significantly happier. One reason is that this high-fun, low-impact sport floods the brain with feel-good endorphins that instantly boost positivity. On top of that, it strengthens social ties—both with your teammates and the welcoming pickleball community itself—making your life feel more meaningful.

OR RIDE A ROLLER COASTER

Amusement park rides that get your heart racing will leave you grinning in the end. University of Pittsburgh research shows that experiencing an enjoyable thrill—then the relief that follows—gives you a sense of control that quickly lifts your spirits.