Wednesday, February 10, 2010

LONDON, EXERCISING OLDER PEOPLE?

Yahoo News is where I read this article. To summarize, playgrounds for the elderly? A new concept by far. Giving options for seniors. Who isn't intimidated by fitness gyms? Something to get people out into the fresh air and moving.

I think it is a cool concept, making senior friendly park equipment. It is a known fact that as we age we become less active and maybe socialize less as well. This concept is becoming popular and catching, in places like Europe, Asia, and the UK. Maybe it will spill over to the US.

This will help get the elderly motivated and socializing if they aren't. With the user friendly equipment it might just help in improving strength and flexibility. I know what you might be thinking; why not just go to the gym? Same reason why half of us don't, the extra expense as well as being intimidated by "too much firm flesh."

Maybe all of us can agree that getting outdoors is good for the soul, whether it be a stroll in the park or playing teeter toter.

1 comment:

  1. Can there be such a thing as too much firm flesh? While I try to figure that one out...this makes me think of something that Japanese and Chinese have been doing for years. Tai Chi. No matter the age, people are commonly seen in parks practicing these motions of exercise and relaxation. No doubt there are benefits other than physical, such as social, as you mention.
    I think it's a great idea, but I keep picturing an old man sliding down a big, over-grown, orange, Little Tykes slide, falling in the sand at the bottom of the slide, then standing up, adjusting his diaper, and walking back to the ladder to do it again. Tai Chi seems remarkably more dignified in this picture in my head. Maybe that's the problem...

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