I can't play Penny's Pursuit, Arena, nor Pinata Party because I can't update.

Yes, your device is just outside the minimum supported hardware.

With 2021 December update 9.4.x, the minimum hardware requirement was changed and below is a copy of the release statement at that time.

We are updating our minimum supported iOS devices to iOS 10.0 or later, as well as iPhone 5s, iPod touch (6th Generation), iPad mini 2, and iPad Pro or later. This change will begin in our next binary update (9.4), which will release in December 2021. Those on older devices will not be able to get the latest update and will lose access to online features (like Arena), but can continue once they switch to a supported device. We recommend backing-up your progress by logging into Game Center, or Registering your Account with EA (cloud icon on the lower left of the Select a Player screen).

Note:  If you want to keep your current game save progress so that it can be played on a new device, please do the followings if these have not been done so

1. Screenshot or note down your player ID

2. Register your PVZ2 account with a valid email address

(and obtain 100 free gems if you have not done so before)