Playgrounds for Older Adults Boost Activity, Decrease Loneliness

Playgrounds designed for older adults are having beneficial effects, and advocates cite their ability to mitigate loneliness and improve physical fitness, reports Considerable . "They focus on promoting balance, flexibility, and range of motion, all of which can help with the functional capabilities of older people and allow them to do more of the things they want to do," said American Council on Exercise President Cedric X. Bryant. Some of these parks are exclusively for adults while others allow in multiple generations, and cater to each age group's specific requirement. These playgrounds also carry a social benefit, offering patrons opportunities to engage with their neighbors. "These environments can be highly social," noted International Council on Active Aging CEO Colin Milner. "There's something positive and invigorating about that, especially if the children have moved away or a spouse has passed on."