I used to play jacks, but we used a golf ball rather than the red ball. It bounced better and I liked the sound it made on the terrazzo floors we had in Miami.
Growing up in Miami, most of our play was outdoors. Swimming, sailing, bike riding. I don’t do any of those things anymore. Occasionally I will play in a pool if I am with my grandkids. The last time I tried to ride a bike, I fell off.
Play has not been a big part of my like these past several years. I do things to relax, like read, listen to music, or take a walk in the woods. But you raise a good point about play. I want to think about and put some intention around play this month, and going forward. Thank you for this post.
ElderChicks 
The last time I tried to ride a bike, I ended up in a bush! I too wonder where “play” has gone. As I age, life seems more filled with serious stuff, like medical issues, people getting sick and passing on, and just making it day to day. I am lucky to have a wonderful little dog who makes me laugh. She is my play, I guess.
I also have a dog, a beagle who is so funny and a great companion. I think play is a wonderful idea and a good place to start is coloring books. i loved coloring as a child and I still do. Get a big box of crayons and pencils. Don’t limit to just adult coloring books, the kid’s books are still fun and will lead to more ideas for fun.
Not sure who said this, but it is so true “You don’t stop playing because you grow old ; you grow old because you stop playing.” Sounds like Mark Twain.
Dogs are beyond wonderful in my book! I wish I could have one now. Meanwhile I love the “messages” people send me that have streaming videos of golden retrievers behaving as all goldens do. It’s one of the many diversions I find through my computer. I also find word games fun and stimulating time-passers.