PLAYFUL MINDS - USING IMPROVISATIONAL THEATRE TO ENHANCE COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING IN OLDER ADULTHOOD

Sep 29, 2026

Social playfulness, marked by spontaneity and shared enjoyment, supports cognitive functioning in aging through engaging, novel exchanges. This study evaluates brief improvisational-theatre based playful interactions for older adults using three experimental studies with 150 participants aged 75–100. Participants completed playful interactions or control activities, delivered face-to-face or online via Zoom, with cognitive tests and self-report measures before and after. Results show improved digit span, word fluency, and Flanker response times, along with greater social closeness and positive emotions. The approach is accessible and scalable for routine care.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryHealthcare

FormatPDF

Pages2

Reading Time5 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Study design and participants

Intervention format and measures

Key findings and implications

528 Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 Abstract citation ID: igaf122.1807 PLAYFUL MINDS: USING IMPROVISATIONAL THEATRE TO ENHANCE COGNITIVE FUNCTIONING IN OLDER ADULTHOOD Shoshi Keisari1, Yulia Golland2, and Boaz Ben-David3, 1. University of Haifa, Haifa, HaZafon, Israel, 2. Reichman University, Herzliya, HaMerkaz, Israel, 3. Reichman University, Herzliya, Tel Aviv, Israel Social playfulness, characterized by spontaneity and mutual enjoyment, allows individuals to step away from routine roles and engage in novel and surprising exchanges. Emerging evidence suggests that social playfulness is a promising approach for supporting Innovation in Aging, 2025, Vol. 9, No. S2 529 cognitive functions in aging in a joyful and engaging way.This study examined how brief playful interactions that are based on improvisational theatre-based interactions enhance cognitive functions in older adults.Across three experimental studies, 150 participants aged 75 to 100 engaged in two types of interactions: playful interactions and a control activity (e.g., structured conversations or routine exercises). Sessions were conducted either face-to-face or online (Zoom). Cognitive tests and self-report measures were administered before and after each interaction. Findings indicate that brief playful interactions improved cognitive functions, including digit span performance, word fluency, and response times on the Flanker test, compared to control activities. Playful interactions also enhanced social closeness and increased positive emotions. Rooted in drama therapy principles, improvisational theatre offers a natural, engaging alternative to traditional cognitive training. Unlike structured cognitive interventions, playful interactions tap into spontaneity, co-creation, and embodied engagement, making them both enjoyable and accessible. These findings suggest that integrating playful interactions into routine care could offer a simple, scalable approach to supporting cognitive health in older adults.

FAQs

What was the main focus of the study?

The study examined whether brief playful interactions based on improvisational theatre enhance cognitive functioning in older adults.

How were participants and interactions organized?

Across three experimental studies, 150 participants aged 75–100 took part in playful interactions or control activities, conducted face-to-face or online via Zoom.

What cognitive and psychosocial outcomes improved with playful interactions?

Compared with control activities, playful interactions improved digit span performance, word fluency, and Flanker test response times, and also increased social closeness and positive emotions.

Sep 29, 2026

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