A Brief History of Wellness Playgrounds For Elders
China, 1995
Physical fitness and esteem for elders both have deep roots in China. Fitness opportunities for elders was boosted with the adoption, in 1995, of the "Physical Health Law of the People's Republic of China" along with "Outline of Nationwide Physical Fitness Program." As a result, outdoor fitness centers geared to all ages were built in urban public parks and squares. In 2009, one observer estimated there were 50,000 such seniors playgrounds in China.
Outdoor Fitness 2009
Finland, 2003
The University of Lapland, Finland, partnering with Lappset, a playground equipment manufacturer, designed and built a playground for elders to study its use and measure its value.
Rovaniemi Polytechnic 2004
Japan, 2004
"Nursing Care Prevention Parks" (playgrounds for elders) appeared in Tokyo, Japan. With fewer Japanese people having children and more than 20 percent of the population over the age of 65, many local governments have begun disassembling children's playgrounds and converting them into exercise parks for retirees.
Ping Magazine 2007
Germany, 2006
The first "Senior Citizens' Playground" opened in Germany, in Berlin. It was reportedly inspired by the facilities in China.
The Times (UK) 2007
Canada, 2007
A "Wellness Park" opened in Tsawwassen, British Columbia, Canada. Funded by the provincial government, "Seniors' Community Parks" are being created in 18 communities throughout British Columbia.
ActNowBC 2010
England, 2008
An "Older People's Play Area" opened in Manchester, England.
Guardian (UK) 2008
Physical fitness and esteem for elders both have deep roots in China. Fitness opportunities for elders was boosted with the adoption, in 1995, of the "Physical Health Law of the People's Republic of China" along with "Outline of Nationwide Physical Fitness Program." As a result, outdoor fitness centers geared to all ages were built in urban public parks and squares. In 2009, one observer estimated there were 50,000 such seniors playgrounds in China.
Outdoor Fitness 2009
Finland, 2003
The University of Lapland, Finland, partnering with Lappset, a playground equipment manufacturer, designed and built a playground for elders to study its use and measure its value.
Rovaniemi Polytechnic 2004
Japan, 2004
"Nursing Care Prevention Parks" (playgrounds for elders) appeared in Tokyo, Japan. With fewer Japanese people having children and more than 20 percent of the population over the age of 65, many local governments have begun disassembling children's playgrounds and converting them into exercise parks for retirees.
Ping Magazine 2007
Germany, 2006
The first "Senior Citizens' Playground" opened in Germany, in Berlin. It was reportedly inspired by the facilities in China.
The Times (UK) 2007
Canada, 2007
A "Wellness Park" opened in Tsawwassen, British Columbia, Canada. Funded by the provincial government, "Seniors' Community Parks" are being created in 18 communities throughout British Columbia.
ActNowBC 2010
England, 2008
An "Older People's Play Area" opened in Manchester, England.
Guardian (UK) 2008