Playgrounds aren’t just for children anymore. These days, recreation areas are designed for an aging population. These elder playgrounds come with fitness equipment, free exercise classes and a chance to work out in the great outdoors.
Health and Happiness
Studies have found that these fitness-themed playgrounds do wonders for seniors’ health. Movement is important at all ages. Keeping fit helps seniors develop better balance and core strength while staying mentally alert.
The parks also give seniors a new option for meeting other people. Loneliness is a serious problem for the elderly, and these parks are a great way for them to socialize.
Beach Views and Balance Wheels
In one Galveston, Texas park, seniors can use a variety of fitness equipment, climbing bars and balance wheels while enjoying a gorgeous view of the beach.
Some of the playgrounds are designed to let kids and their grandparents play together. The health organization Humana has declared a mission to build these so-called intergenerational playgrounds in at least 50 cities across the U.S.
They have caught on like wildfire as seniors discover a great alternative to gyms or sitting at home alone. As one senior told a news report, “I don’t mind acting like a kid again.”
Elder Playgrounds Provide Fun For All Ages
The trend began in China and has spread to countries everywhere. In Spain, elderly people are flocking to parks where they can play with their grandchildren instead of just watching them play.
These seniors are enjoying fresh air, exercise and fun with their families. It sounds like the perfect recipe for health and happiness at any age.
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Very good for me I am 67 and workout I would love it.
Who can I contact to see if we can get one built in our area. There are a lot of seniors.
Where do you live? I may be able to help or direct you?
I would like more information on how to get one of these set up in our community.
I live in Bude, Mississippi, and I would love to know how to get a senior playground.
I love in Louisville Kentucky and would love something like this!Would you email me info?
Gina, please post info on getting one started!! I’d love to see an elder playground in Saratoga Springs or Wilton, NY!!!!!
I live in Chicago and we could use several in our big city. Please!
I live in Lindsay Ontario Canada. Would love to have a park like this. I am told that Lindsay Ontario is #2 for retired seniors. This would be perfect
Gina, do you have information on the vendors you might share with me?
I live in the 75180 area
I have thought about these kind of parks for years!! Thank you to everyone involved in getting the job done!! Exactly what we have needed…nation wide please!!
This is a great idea…all the way around. I know if my city had one (Vancouver wa) I would definitely go play there.
Please respond to me. I am chairman of The West Virginia Assistive Technolgies Systems. Address:: George McIntire , 125 prospect Lane , white sulphur springs WV, 24986. I love this idea and need to see some plans . I also have some ideas for handicapped . I am in a wheelchair
This looks like something I would love to do.!!!!!
We SO need one in Succasunna, NJ ❤
I like this site and wanted to share it with others but I wasn’t able too…Hope to see more of your posts..
Connie KB… you can copy the link to the site to share it. Go to the three little “…” in the upper right, and the menu will drop down with “copy link.”
Please build one here in Livonia Mi! We have an empty lot right in our neighborhood where an elementary school was burnt down and removes. Perfect spot!!
Where are they located? I want one close to me!
I would like to know where these parks are so I can visit.
Sure would LOVE to have one at Arnett Park in Fayetteville NC. It would be very beneficial and definitely utilized.
What US cities are they located in now?
I want to know where these parks are! I’d love to play with my grandmother and my kids at the same time! It would be such an amazing thing for us to spend time playing as a family. ❤️❤️❤️
Great idea! I used to play on the equipment when my boys were young. I often wondered if being an active mom would make a lasting example for my children. My oldest, now 30, said lto me just last week, that he is never going to stop working out because of how “young” and active I am! #best complimentever!!
Can you put one in Milwaukee wi…we have beautiful lake scenery here….
They need to build them in Chicago,IL. I would love to do that with my grandkids.
Where r they located in massachusetts
I love this this, even more like a par course. Something like that would be excellent aat the Star River Park expansion, right?
I think this is a great idea, when is it coming to Michigan? I’m 73 and get lonely by myself. This is exciting, I live in Clinton twp Michigan, please hurry.
I love that idea. I love playing with my kids at the playground and in our background on swingset. I hope you can get one build in bucks county Pennsylvania 😊 ❤
I would love one in Greenville sc
Where is the park at ?
Where are they located I want one in Colorado ?
We are retired and full time RVers. I would love to have a complete list of where these are.
Having said that, I use the swings and anything else I can fit on without damaging.
Lake station, IN has a great park that this type of equipment would benefit their community and surrounding communities. Please put Lake Station, IN 46405, on your list.
Build it and I will come.
Great idea..we need this in Sacramento CA
Where are they?
It would be nice to see a map of where they are?
I have to admit I’ve found and gone on swings at deserted neighborhood parks before. Afterwards I saw the sign it’s at 12 and under. I know 12-year-olds way more than me. It was just a hot day and I drove till I found fog just found this little deserted part. But I actually have like a little part With nature be able to exercise would be awesome
we need these in topeka ks 66606 area elmwood park or alburndale park
I resarched and found that KaBOOM.org works with Humana to supply grants for these playgrounds. Good on you for wanting to help. It’s a fantastic idea.
I live in michigan. And am a social worker. By nature, I love this idea! Any suggestions on how to get this started in michigan?!:)
I live in Salem Missouri. There are many seniors. I use a walker and get no exercise. I could do a playground l could hold onto the bars. How can we get zn elder park?
I would like information about these parks and if my city could get one. We live in Graham, N.C.
I would love to see one of these parks in Graham, NC
In an Ohio suburb would love to see this happen.