Playgrounds for an Aging Population

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People are more likely to remain physically active when they can do it outdoors; however, Latino kids and adults often lack safe places to walk, play, and be active.

Great news! Playgrounds are not just for kids anymore.

For example, the Marion Diehl Senior Center in Charlotte, N.C. (13.1% Latino) recently installed a new playground for all ages.

The parks and recreation department in San Antonio, TX (63.2% Latino) has installed low-impact, outdoor gym equipment at 35 city parks and five libraries. San Antonio also provides free fitness classes, like Zumba, Yoga, and Boot Camp in parks across the city. Watch this video to learn more.

The Trust for Public Land has installed 68 outdoor fitness zones in city parks across the country. The Trust for Public Land’s Fitness Zone® program provides free outdoor fitness equipment in local parks—often in neighborhoods where gym memberships are too pricey.

Kaboom, a non-profit dedicated to play, continues to work with numerous partners to build multi-generational playgrounds in low-income neighborhoods across the country.

Seeing adults be active is powerful form of observational learning for kids, and can build healthy habits for life, which help reduce their risk for diabetes, heart disease, and other chronic diseases.

Does your local park offer places for all ages to be play and be active?

If not, you should start the conversation in your community.