Programming provides important opportunities for movement, socializing and more

Ninety-two percent of U.S. adults look to their local park and recreation agency to provide activities and opportunities to older adults in their community, according to the latest National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Park Pulse poll.

Park and recreation professionals work with residents of all ages and provide diverse offerings for all. Outdoor activities, such as visiting a park or gardening, and physical activities, like working out or dancing, top the list of preferred offerings. These offerings provide opportunities for movement, social networking, community outreach, learning and much more.

Key Findings:

• Ninety-two percent of U.S. adults look to their local park and recreation department to provide activities and opportunities to older adults in their community
  • Top activities cited by baby boomers include: outdoor activities (e.g., visiting a park, gardening), physical activities (e.g., working out, dancing), indoor activities (e.g., games, art classes, concerts) and educational opportunities (e.g., classes, workshops)

• Seventy-seven percent of park and recreation agencies provide programs specifically for older adults

“Staying active both physically and mentally is important as we age,” said Kevin Roth, NRPA vice president of research, evaluation and technology. “Parks and recreation provide key activities to keep older adults healthy and happy and connected to the community.”

 To view the interactive charts with the survey results, click here.

To view the full-size infographic, click here.

Each month, through a poll of 1,000 U.S. residents focused on park and recreation issues, NRPA Park Pulse helps tell the park and recreation story. To learn more about NRPA’s Park Pulse and see results from previous polls, click here.

To learn more about NRPA, visit nrpa.org.

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About the National Recreation and Park Association

The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. With more than 60,000 members, NRPA advances this mission by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals and advocates — the catalysts for positive change in service of equity, climate-readiness, and overall health and well-being. For more information, visit nrpa.org. For digital access to NRPA’s flagship publication, Parks & Recreation, visit parksandrecreation.org.