ABSTRACT
The theoretical approach to play is generally dominated by the perspective that play is something mainly for children. Because children by play develop their competences for future life: Play is a means of learning, development, and progression. Even among animals, play does not end with childhood. The interpretation of the connection between play, children, and learning was not accidental. With the assumption of progress, however, it is difficult to obtain a deeper understanding of why and how elderly people play. Elderly people's world of play is rich and diverse, but it is still waiting for more focused research. The play of elderly people calls to our attention how diverse and dynamic play is among different age groups more generally. The significance of the narrative in play and in elderly life casts light on the problem of functionalism, which for a long time has dominated the construction of children's playgrounds and now is transferred to senior playgrounds, too.
