A trial park in Sunshine North in Melbourne has been shown to improve muscle strength, balance, and physical function – all risk factors for falls – for a group of older residents.
Nearly 70 locals aged 60 to 87 took part in the 18-week trials by Victoria University which found exercise on balance beams, ramps, and step-up benches drastically improved their ‘functional’ health, helping with everyday activities such as tying their shoes, shopping, gardening, or catching a tram.
While only 17 per cent of the volunteers had ever exercised regularly before, every single one reported feeling better physically and mentally after the trial.
More spaces for seniors
Exercise parks are popular in Asia and Europe, but there are few in Australia.
The coordinators now want councils and other not-for-profit organisations to consider building more, including co-located parks with children’s playgrounds so grandparents can exercise while supervising their grandkids.
We like this idea. While many older people do regular physical activity or play sport (my grandfather was a huge lawn bowls fan), it’s not the same as specific exercises that work on your strength, balance and mobility. That’s not to mention the social benefits to exercising with others.
Check out a video of the park here.
