Older adult perceptions of play and play-enabling public space

Abstract

ABSTRACT The everyday geographies of aging underscore the importance of public space in supporting older adult physical activity, social interaction, and general wellbeing. The age-friendly discourse outlines public space planning principles and guidelines to dismantle built environment barriers and minimize physical risk. However, public space planning can go beyond the instrumental pragmatism of prevention. The notion of age-friendly public space can expand to include non-obligatory, noncommodifiable opportunities for positive social and physical engagement. Public space can be a domain for older adult play. This study examines older adult perceptions of play in public space using the photovoice method with 14 older adults in Victoria, Canada. The findings demonstrate that older adults conceptualize play as more than simply a set of activities. Play was viewed as a state-of-being and an expression of freedom. To enable older adult play, public space must be accessible, flexible, and provide opportunities for creativity and spontaneity. Public spaces with natural, immersive, and interactive environments that provide positive sensory experiences were found to be particularly well suited to fostering older adult play. This study reimagines the potential of age-friendly planning and encourages policymakers to consider, integrate, and support play as an age-friendly intervention.