Feasibility and Impact of an Outdoor Physical Activity Park for Older Adults to Encourage Healthy Aging and Maintain Independence

Abstract

Physical activity may maintain and improve overall health and well-being throughout one’s lifetime. Among older adults, improved physical function can reduce fall risk, cognitive decline, and improve overall psychological well-being. Despite these numerous benefits, older adults often encounter barriers to regular exercise, including limited accessibility, lack of motivation, and financial constraints. Placement of designated outdoor physical activity parks specifically designed for older people may offset these barriers. This pilot study assessed the feasibility of using outdoor parks to encourage physical activity and improve motor and cognitive function, and quality of life among older people. Independent participants were recruited from the community, and frail participants from the day center adjoining the park. Participants completed pre-/post-intervention evaluations [Activities of Daily Living [ADL], Instrumental Activities of Daily Living Scale [IADL], World Health Organization Quality of Life Questionnaire-Brief [WHOQoL-BREF], falls questionnaire, Montreal Cognitive Assessment [MoCA] assessment and the Timed Up and Go [TUG], Uni Pedal Stance Test [UPST], and 30 seconds sit to stand test [₃₀CST] tests]. Exercise sessions lasted 30 to 45 minutes, were supervised by a health professional, and provided twice weekly over an 8-week period; 33 participants (66–87 years), completed the program. Among frail participants, a significant improvement was noted in TUG test results [F(1, 30) = 15.49, p < .001, η² = .356], indicating improved balance and reduced fall risk, and a marginally significant increase in the psychological quality of life was noted among independent participants [F(1, 30) = 3.62, p = .067, η² = .108]. Overall participant satisfaction was high. An outdoor park intervention among older frail and independent adults may have a significant positive impact on physical and psychological health variables and future research should be encouraged in this area.