Playgrounds for Older Adults: Are You Ready?

Playgrounds for older adults have taken hold in China, parts of Europe and in England --- and now the concept is catching on here in the U.S.

Experts in healthy aging are advocating for the creation of playgrounds which include "senior friendly" access and equipmen. Many of the playgrounds are built inside an existing park while others are established on separate grounds from the playgrounds used by children.

Some playgrounds set out to be intergenerational. The goal being to create a playground which promotes the interaction of the generations in an outdoor setting which fun, exercise and socialization.

The U.S. National Park Service has launched a new initiative, "Healthy Parks, Healthy People" to place attention on the connection between being outdoors and engaged in activity which in turn promotes health and wellness.

Some "senior-friendly" parks promote fitness through the use of fitness equipment which mimics the "fun" type of exercise equipment that many will remember from childhood.

Other parks include golf or chess or walking paths and benches and in some places, the parks include outdoor electronic games.

While some parks promote fitness, others focus on creating outdoor spaces where older adults can feel at ease and socialize while enjoying the use of equipment suited to their particular fitness needs.

One designer of playgrounds for older adults, Must Have Play reports that the number one request of older adults is the inclusion of swings.

So what would be on your dream list for a playground for older adults?

Might you use one?