30 January 2008

Second Childhood?

The UK's first playground specifically for older people has opened near Manchester. An "older people's play area" in Dam Head Park, Blackley, in north Manchester, features six pieces of equipment - featuring the slogan "Never too old to play" - designed to provide gentle exercise.


The playground, which officially opened yesterday after being tested by locals aged over 70, cost £15,000 to build. Established by the Dam Head Residents Association, it includes equipment for upper body exercise, training leg muscles, hip exercise, and stomach and leg training. Some of the equipment is accessible to wheelchair users. The equipment was installed after Peggy Yuill, treasurer of the residents association, saw a newspaper article about a similar facility in Germany. Funding was provided from Northwards Housing, which runs the local estate.


Gordon Lishman, director general of the charity Age Concern, said the playground could help older people maintain good physical and mental health. "A well-designed fitness park could be a great way to encourage older people to exercise and socialise. Exercising a few times a week can make a big difference to someone's health and doesn't have to be strenuous. Equally, socialising with others can help to alleviate feelings of loneliness and depression. Many older people aren't exercising enough and we are really keen for local authorities to offer a range of accessible and affordable facilities that promote physical activity in later life."


What a great idea. I always thought swings and roundabouts were wasted on kinds. Only 25 years until I hit 70, I can’t wait!

12 comments:

Anonymous said...

almost worth moving back for! See you there dearie.
Cheers

jams o donnell said...

Oh yes! I'll be there!

DoubleDeckerBusGuy said...

Dangit! You'll beat us there by five years! You better save us a swing!

jmb said...

Do you think they'll get into fights over the equipment and push each other? And say things like,"he's not sharing!"

James Higham said...

first thought - no!!

Second thought - very good.

Sean Jeating said...

From hippo sweat to hip exercice: A magic mixture one would find here. :)

Anonymous said...

Bags I first go on the bouncy castle!

jams o donnell said...

Will do Matthew!

Haha jmb I have a mental image of the punch ups right now!

On a serious note James I think this is an excellent idea

Ha Sean, Glad you like it here!

Roger, I was there first, you'll have to wait...

Liz Hinds said...

Oh wow! Fantastic! AS long as they have swings. i love swings.

jams o donnell said...

Absolutely Liz. I love them too! Swings are wasted on kids I say...

Colin Campbell said...

This was featured on the evening news here in Australia. With an ageing population, I believe that this would go down well here. All the old people were wrapped up with clothes and hat. Not a very attractive work out.

jams o donnell said...

Ha Colin if it wasn't atractive with clothes on imagine what it would ahve been like if they had been dressed in skimpy clothing!