“Should I stay or should I go now?” Preferred park elements to increase older adults’ park visitation and physical activity

Abstract

Research indicates that older adults (aged 65 and over) need regular activity to maintain health and that particular needs likely play a role in their engagement with parks. Yet, limited evidence exists about older adult experience with parks and the elements that encourage older adult park-based leisure. I undertook a phenomenological qualitative study using inductive thematic analysis of interviews with older adults in Perth, Australia, to investigate their reasons for visitation and non-visitation. I observed elements of park location and amenities that help to meet the needs of older adults, motivating them to visit parks and engage in park-based physical activity. Findings suggest that to elevate visitation rates and physical activity, park planners and designers should engage with older adults as part of the planning and design process to understand older adult needs and preferences. Suggestions for future research are provided to evaluate the nuances of older adults’ needs that motivate park visitation, and, thus increase access and physical activity.