ENJOY

Active ageing in the outdoors for older people: working together for a healthier world

Creating inclusive and accessible outdoor environments that encourage and provide opportunities for older adults to engage in physical activity and social interaction is important for healthy ageing.

The National Ageing Research Institute in partnership with several local governments, government bodies and stakeholders have been working together to create age-friendly outdoor spaces for older people to engage in physical and social activities for healthier and liveable cities and communities in Victoria.

The design of outdoor public spaces, including parks, leisure spaces and outdoor exercise equipment should be inclusive of all ages and abilities. We have provided some practical recommendations and suggestions for the design of age friendly outdoor spaces.

For further details please contact the project leader Professor Pazit Levinger.

ENJOY for Independence in Dementia

Participating in physical and social activities as part of quality dementia care is crucial for optimising the health and independence of people living in aged care facilities.

The Seniors Exerc Abound communities logo ise Park equipment installed at St Helena Aged Care Facility, Leith Park provides an age-friendly recreational outdoors space in a residential aged care setting.

The Seniors Exercise Park program provides a fun but physically challenging environment to support exercise in residential aged care settings. It addresses important aspects of physical health for older people, including strength, balance, mobility and function.

ENJOY for Independence in Dementia is a pilot study funded by the Alzheimer's Association. Results showed that using the Seniors Exercise Park physical activity program was safe and feasible for people living with dementia in residential aged care.
Residents enjoyed participation with great engagement.

Further details can be found here.

Supporting people living with Dementia to engage in physical activity:

Tips and recommendations

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Patron

Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Margaret Gardner AC, Governor of Victoria

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