Parks were designed to bring together people of all ages, abilities and backgrounds. They play an essential role in community vitality and renewal, and are places to be immersed in nature, relax, enjoy a recreational activity, community event or a variety of programs and services. So, at a time when the older adult population is growing at such a rapid rate — 66 million by 2025 — it’s no surprise that park and recreation agencies are playing their part to serve the needs and desires of this growing population.   

Nine in 10 park and recreation agencies offer a variety of services and activities for older adults, including health and wellness programs and workshops, field trips/tours, volunteer/mentoring opportunities and special events, in efforts to help older adults remain healthy and vital parts of their communities.

For 66-year-old Diane in Mustang, Oklahoma, a program at the Mustang Parks and Recreation gave her a way to be active. “When I retired I didn't know what to do with myself and then someone invited me to try the Fit and Strong! program at the Mustang Community Center. It became my hobby and gave me a place to be and some structure for my life,” she says.

In Lynbrook, New York, the Lynbrook Recreation Center is the place to be for older adults. “Our park is full of activities to keep older adults active and they enjoy the variety of our programs,” says Recreation Supervisor Andrea Campbell. The center offers classes including Zumba Gold, Gentle Flow Yoga and “Walk the Park,” all of which contribute to improving and maintaining the health and wellbeing of the older adults they serve.   

Similarly, for the City of Placentia Community Services Department in California, engaging older adults is also a high priority with offerings of nutrition programs such as a food box distribution program and a daily lunch program, social events and a variety of health education and physical activity programs. They are especially focused on reaching the segment of their older adult population that is currently sedentary and they have recently started offering the Active Living Every Day Program.

According to Vinnie, a fitness instructor for the City of Placentia, “participants have had the opportunity to make real changes since the beginning of our Active Living Every Day program and have learned new ways to be active. One participant, Virginia, is always busy and doesn't always find time to do physical activity. Between taking care of her husband, grand-kids, doing chores in the house, going grocery shopping, etc., it is difficult for her to find time to exercise. But after the first week of the class, Virginia and other participants realize that they have a lot of time during the day where they could be doing something active.”

There is no question that parks and recreation impact the lives of older adults across the country every day. If you are still looking to discover new ways to engage older adults in your community, remember that they simply want to fully enjoy their lives and fulfill their goals and dreams like the older adults at the Marianna Gallops Senior Center in Columbus, Georgia, who are whitewater rafting, zip lining across the Chattahoochee river and hiking the Pine Mountain trail.

Cheers to improving and maintaining the health and wellbeing of older adults through parks and recreation!

Lesha Spencer-Brown is a Program Manager at NRPA.