Parks and playgrounds should be designed for grandkids ... and their grandparents

THE elderly need parks and playgrounds just as much as kids do, a Victoria University study has found, prompting a call for grandparent-friendly play equipment

PARKS are not just for child’s play. A trial has found exercise on equipment designed for seniors dramatically improves their functional health, which includes basic life tasks like tying their shoes, shopping, gardening, or catching a tram.

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On the back of the Victoria University findings, researchers are calling for more park equipment that allows grandparents and grandchildren to exercise together.

Joan Reddie, 82, and her husband, Herb, 83, were two of the 70 Melbourne people who took part in the trial.

Like most participants, who were aged 60-87, the pair hasn’t been involved in regular structured physical activity.

Since taking part, Mrs Reddie has found gardening much easier, thanks to an improvement in her balance.

“I can lean over in the garden without falling over; and before the exercise, I found I was getting a bit depressed and I felt happier after doing it,” she said.

Dr Myrla Sales, who has published the research results in the Journal of Aging and Health, said this was a common response from participants after the 4½-month program.

“We found significant improvements in their muscle strength, balance and physical function, which are all risk factors for falls. There were also improvements in their happiness.”

Joan, 82, and Herb Reddie, 83 on some of the specialised balance and co-ordination equipment. Picture: David Caird

Dr Sales said she designed the program to only use equipment in the park at St Bernadette Community Respite House, designed by a Finnish company.

This included balance beams, ramps and step-up benches, and even a toggle that helps strengthen hands to help open jars.

“We had participants tell us that now they had the balance and strength to catch a tram — it made a huge difference in their lives,” she said.

The seniors in the study were also educated on how to improve their gait so they were walking in a way that reduced the risk of falls.

Dr Sales said parks designed for seniors, adults and children would allow families to exercise and play together for free. “A lot of grandparents are playing a large role in caring for their grandchildren and want to keep up with them,” she said.

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