Public Health Disrupted25 Sep 2025

Ageing Playfully: Transforming perspectives on growing older

In this episode of Public Health Disrupted, host Rochelle Burgess is flying solo, and dives into the transformative power of play in the context of ageing.

Joined by Rachel Colles, a professional performer and ‘Elderflower’ with Hearts and Minds, and Dr Carrie Ryan, a lecturer in Creative Health at UCL, the discussion explores how playfulness can disrupt conventional narratives surrounding ageing.

Rochelle, Rachel, and Carrie challenge the societal tendency to associate play solely with childhood, revealing how embracing play in later life can foster joy, creativity, and meaningful connections. They share insights from their experiences, including engaging with people living with dementia and the profound impact of playful interactions (and bingo!) in care settings.

The conversation highlights the importance of validating emotions, and how play serves as a vital public health intervention, encouraging a shift in perspective on ageing. This episode also touches on the significance of fostering genuine connections, ultimately advocating for a more playful approach to public health.

Host: Rochelle Burgess – Community Health Psychologist and Professor at the UCL Institute for Global Health

With special thanks to our guests:

Rachel Colles - Professional Performer and Elderflower, Hearts and Minds
Dr Carrie Ryan - Lecturer in Creative Health, UCL Department of Arts and Sciences

Resources and mentions:

‘Extravagant Acts for Mature People' by Phoebe Davies (as mentioned at the end of this episode by Dr Carrie Ryan!)

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