1. Guidance about age‐friendly outdoor exercise equipment and associated strategies to maximise usability for older people
- Author
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Keith D. Hill, Maya G. Panisset, Helen Parker, Marian Tye, Pazit Levinger, and Frances Batchelor
- Subjects
Functional training ,Social connectedness ,Applied psychology ,physical activity ,older people ,03 medical and health sciences ,0302 clinical medicine ,Residence Characteristics ,local government ,Humans ,030212 general & internal medicine ,Strengthening Health Promotion Systems & Environments ,Built environment ,Aged ,Community and Home Care ,030505 public health ,exercise ,business.industry ,Public Health, Environmental and Occupational Health ,Usability ,built environment ,Health promotion ,ageing ,Local government ,Commentary ,Exercise equipment ,Sedentary Behavior ,0305 other medical science ,Older people ,business ,Psychology - 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.
- Published
- 2020