Where Did All the Playgrounds Go? Reclaiming Joy, Language, and Play in Aging (Hybrid)

As we age, many of us quietly step away from the “playgrounds” that once sparked laughter, creativity, and connection. We may tell ourselves we’re “too old for that” or that there’s simply “no time to play”—messages reinforced by cultural narratives that undervalue joy in later life.

This workshop invites us to challenge those assumptions by exploring play, humor, and creativity as vital forms of self-care. Through story, song, discussion, and hands-on practice, participants will reflect on how grief and shrinking communities can make play even more essential in elderhood. Together, we’ll experiment with simple, inclusive ways to bring play back into daily life, reframe the language we use about aging, and design new “playgrounds” that nurture joy and belonging across generations.

Kelly Penrod works at the intersection of communication and creativity. Creativity is a master problem-solving skill. It helps us see there are multiple solutions – not just one or two. Good communication skills allow us to connect with others and most importantly with ourselves. Kelly is a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor (LCDC), a member of the Texas Association of Addiction Professionals (TAAP), National Association of Addiction Professionals (NAACD), American Counseling Association (ACA), The Association for Creativity in Counseling (ACC), and an Academic Associate of the Viktor Frankl Institute. She has presented professionally at international and state conferences. She is co-host on the Blueprints for Belonging podcast.

This program is being offered both IN-PERSON and ONLINE. Please select how you will attend when registering. This program will NOT be recorded.

All times are CT. Please contact onlinelearning@junghouston.org with any questions.

Please register early. Programs with four or fewer participants are subject to cancellation, 48 hours prior to their start.