Overseas, it’s not uncommon to find senior citizens pedalling, swinging and climbing on playground equipment designed especially for them. The first adults-only playgrounds began appearing in China a few decades ago. They’ve since caught on throughout Asia and Europe, and now they’re starting to gain popularity in the US.
Companies like KaBOOM! and Must Have Play are working to make a new type of playground available to the US’ older population. The parks feature low-impact exercise equipment such as elliptical machines, stationary bikes, and hand-eye dexterity games.
The activities are meant to improve balance and flexibility, and while you won’t find twisting slides or monkey bars at these playgrounds, they do sometimes include modified classics like swings and seesaws. In addition to promoting physical health, the parks provide mental and social benefits to visitors.
The senior playgrounds can serve as social gathering spaces within the community and help to combat feelings of isolation and loneliness among older generations.
Unlike similar spaces in other countries, companies like KaBOOM! are branding their parks as “multigenerational” playgrounds meant to be used by people of all ages.
www.mentalfloss.com
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