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References: Kim Joyce, “How Often & How Long Should the Elderly Exercise?” Livestrong.com - www.livestrong.com/ article/522381-how-often-how-longshould-the-elderly-exercise/ Parks & Recreation in Underserved Areas: A Public Health Perspective, NRPA - www.nrpa.org/ uploadedFiles/nrpa.org/Publications_ and_Research/Research/Papers/ Parks-Rec-Underserved-Areas.pdf Placemaking for an Aging Population: Guidelines for Senior-Friendly Parks - UCLA Complete Streets Initiative, Luskin School of Public Affairs, Lewis Center for Regional Policy Studies, June 2014 - www. lewis.ucla.edu/wp-content/uploads/ sites/2/2015/04/Seniors-and-Parks-828-Print_reduced.pdf Jennifer L. Copeland, Cheryl L Currie, Ali Walker and Erin Mason, “Fitness Equipment in Public Parks: Frequency of Use and Community Perceptions in a Small Urban Centre,” Journal of Physical Activity & Health 14(5):1-29, February 2017. James A. Mortimer, Yaakov Stern, “Physical exercise and activity may be important in reducing dementia risk at any age,” Neurology, February 19, 2019 - https://n.neurology.org/ content/92/8
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Parks & Recreation
Having a variety of outdoor fitness equipment provides options for people of all ages and abilities
the actual health improvement occurring in the community. Some residents described the equipment as a neighborhood reminder to exercise.” This research also indicates that equipment installed in larger parks where walking and jogging were taking place because there were more paved walking trails tended to see more equipment use. Community members offered the following three recommendations to increase usage of the outdoor fitness equipment: • “Increase information and signs about the equipment and how to use it.
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• Include a human element by introducing programming to teach and encourage residents to use the equipment. • Improve the quality and maintenance of both the equipment and the physical environment in the park around the equipment.” As far as funding to include programming around using the equipment, the report continues: “Municipalities could include programming in their budget when planning for the installation of new fitness equipment. Creative strategies could be used to make this type of programming feasible from a budgetary perspective. For example, postsecondary Kinesiology programs often have students with the training to provide such services and who are looking for volunteer practicum opportunities.” Given the undisputed benefits of outdoor fitness equipment, creating opportunities for physical activity that are inclusive for all is a definite growing trend. It’s important, however, to make sure that “fun” continues to be a major element for adults. Sonia Myrick is the Executive Editor for Parks & Recreation magazine (smyrick@ nrpa.org).