Here’s my idea for an outdoor gym for seniors
Maurice Broome, from Paraparaumu, Kapiti Coast, is a chartered accountant and small business adviser. He was sitting in his home office one day thinking about fitness. As he has an aversion to indoor gyms, he started thinking about designing an outdoor gym or senior park.
This article is for the benefit of our “senior” citizens – that is, those over 60 years of age. If that includes YOU please read on. If you think this excludes YOU, then read on and see what you can have when you become a senior.
As our bodies get older sometimes we often slowdown from the active lifestyles we enjoyed during our 20s to 50s. Some bones start to creak, some muscles start to stiffen up and generally, we tend to move at a slower pace.
Do you remember how in your youth you enjoyed swinging at those children’s playgrounds? If you have forgotten maybe ask a fellow neighbour, if they remember. If not, ask another neighbour! Now we “seniors” can regain increased mobility, tone those muscles up, get those bones moving and start to enjoy the “Senior Parks”.
China was the first to initiate Senior Parks, after a national law came into effect that mandated fitness programs for all ages. Now there are Senior Parks in Finland, Spain (300 in Barcelona alone), USA, UK (Hyde Park, London), and within New Zealand you can find them in Auckland, Hastings, Hamilton and other places.
First what is needed is an area of recreational reserve land say 100 metres by 35 metres.
Overseas there are often elaborate “air walkers”.
How about doing this the “Kiwi way”? Finding what we want to suit our needs.
There can be raised stepping blocks such as fence posts dug in the ground at various heights.
These could have hand rails beside them if needed, but remember this is to practise balance so it would be good to have rubber mats or safety approved sawdust or similar product. Yes, you can walk along these and you may need a companion for assistance – so this excursion becomes a social activity.
Another useful piece of equipment for seniors can be a walking plank. Another opportunity to improve balance and co-ordination.
Now I am sure you are asking what about arm exercises? Well how about two different sets – one at ground level and one above shoulder level.
Let’s say all this takes about 15 to 20 minutes per person and then we may need a rest. Of course some bench seats would be useful.
Now what do we have? We start to see seniors more active, not only within these Senior Parks but more social activity as well – increased membership to local clubs as these persons have found a new lease of life.
So what are we waiting for? Do these parks need local council funding (in a long-term plan) or can the first Senior Park in your area be funded by local sponsorship/donations? Of course, it will be helpful to have local support groups support a submission to a local council; and together we start to see these facilities available for us seniors.