Outdoor fitness equipment in parks: a qualitative study from older adults' perceptions.

Hsueh-Wen Chow

doi:10.1186/1471-2458-13-1216

Abstract

BackgroundThe growing amount of outdoor fitness equipment (OFE) placed in parks in many countries has the intent of encouraging physical activity among aging populations. However, little investigated aspects are the perceptions and experiences of older adults regarding the use of these facilities. Hence, this study seeks senior OFE users’ opinions to understand the exact nature of use of these facilities, the perceived health benefits achieved, and equipment’s improvements that would further encourage use.MethodsThe study conducts semi-structured interviews with 55 senior OFE users at two parks in Taiwan.ResultsStudy results suggest that although OFE use is not the main purpose for which seniors visit parks, most seniors perceive the benefit of using OFE in terms of both physical and psychological health, as well as social connection. Respondents also raised issues related to safety, maintenance, and management of OFE.ConclusionsOFE appears to meet the health needs of seniors, but improved management is necessary to ensure safety. Further research would reveal the actual behavior involving OFE use and use’s relationship to the physical activity of seniors.

Highlights

The growing amount of outdoor fitness equipment (OFE) placed in parks in many countries has the intent of encouraging physical activity among aging populations
A plethora of research has proven that regular physical activity contributes both positive and preventive factors for maintaining health in older adults [4] including physiology [6,7,8,9,10], psychology [11] and cognitive benefits [12,13]
Data collection Study area The qualitative fieldwork began with several preliminary on-site periods of observation at several parks in the five districts in Tainan city, with the intent of exploring the patterns of OFE used in the parks

Summary

Introduction

The growing amount of outdoor fitness equipment (OFE) placed in parks in many countries has the intent of encouraging physical activity among aging populations. This study seeks senior OFE users’ opinions to understand the exact nature of use of these facilities, the perceived health benefits achieved, and equipment’s improvements that would further encourage use. In response to worldwide aging populations [1,2], many efforts have attempted to improve the health and quality of life of older adults [3,4] such as “active aging” promoted by the World Health Origination to increase physical activity among seniors [5].

Objectives

Methods

Results

Conclusion