Guidance About Age-friendly Outdoor Exercise Equipment and Associated Strategies to Maximise Usability for Older People

Overview

Journal Health Promot J Austr

Publisher Wiley

Date 2020 Jun 3

PMID 32484939

Citations 10

Authors

Pazit Levinger

Maya Panisset

Helen Parker

Frances Batchelor

Marian Tye

Keith D Hill

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

Outdoor exercise equipment has become popular as important environmental infrastructure to provide opportunities for physical activity and social connectedness in public settings. With higher sedentary behaviour and physical inactivity reported among older people, infrastructure changes and safe environments that promote older peoples' health and mobility are required. Due to ageing-related functional decline and health conditions associated with ageing, older adults may have special physical needs that require careful consideration when choosing outdoor equipment. However, limited information is available regarding the suitability of the types of exercise equipment for older people. This commentary provides further information on the type of equipment available, its functionality and suitability for older age populations and key considerations for the decision-maker involved in selecting, installing and supporting community use of outdoor exercise equipment. Recommendations on what is required to maximise usability from a system or organisational-based approach using research evidence is also discussed. Older people are more susceptible to the negative influences of their local environment and outdoor neighbourhood conditions. Consequently, the age-friendliness and suitability of the outdoor exercise equipment characteristics, location and settings may facilitate older adults' engagement in physical and social activities.

Citing Articles

Results from the ENJOY MAP for HEALTH: a quasi experiment evaluating the impact of age-friendly outdoor exercise equipment to increase older people's park visitations and physical activity.

Levinger P, Dreher B, Soh S, Dow B, Batchelor F, Hill K BMC Public Health. 2024; 24(1):1663.

PMID: 38909183 PMC: 11193282. DOI: 10.1186/s12889-024-19042-3.

The Conceptual Development of a Multifunctional Stepladder for Older People and Caregivers.

Gan K, Ng P, Liew K, Ng Y, Yeow J Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022; 19(21).

PMID: 36361278 PMC: 9657848. DOI: 10.3390/ijerph192114399.

The ENJOY MAP for HEALTH: Exercise interveNtion outdoor proJect in the cOmmunitY for older people-More Active People for HEALTHier communities: a study protocol.

Levinger P, Dunn J, Abfalter E, Dow B, Batchelor F, Garratt S BMC Public Health. 2022; 22(1):1027.

PMID: 35597934 PMC: 9124389. DOI: 10.1186/s12889-022-13335-1.

The Use of Urban Parks by Older Adults in the Context of Perceived Security.

Kimic K, Polko P Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2022; 19(7).

PMID: 35409867 PMC: 8998194. DOI: 10.3390/ijerph19074184.

The Effect of the ENJOY Seniors Exercise Park Physical Activity Program on Falls in Older People in the Community: A Prospective Pre-Post Study Design.

Levinger P, Dunn J, Panisset M, Haines T, Dow B, Batchelor F J Nutr Health Aging. 2022; 26(3):217-221.

PMID: 35297462 PMC: 8727466. DOI: 10.1007/s12603-021-1724-1.

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