Creating inclusive and accessible outdoor environments that encourage and provide opportunities for older adults to engage in physical activity and social interaction is critical for healthy ageing.
Only 25% of older people in Australia meet the recommended physical activity guidelines. With higher sedentary behaviour and physical inactivity reported among older people, creating opportunities for older people to engage in outdoor physical activity is important and requires commitment from the community and local governments.
The ENJOY trial: Exercise interveNtion outdoor proJect in the cOmmunitY
The ENJOY research project is a partnership project led by the National Ageing Research Institute (NARI) in collaboration with Whittlesea City Council, Wyndham City Council, Old Colonists' Association of Victoria and Gandel Philanthropy.
The ENJOY project aims to implement and evaluate the effects of sustained engagement in physical activity on mental health and physical outcomes through the use of a community-based novel outdoor physical activity program (the senior exercise park) for older people.
Australian New Zealand Trial registration number ACTRN12618001727235
ENJOY project leader Associate Professor Pazit Levinger - P.levinger@nari.edu.au
What is the senior exercise park?
The senior exercise park utilises outdoor exercise equipment (Lark Industries) which incorporates multiple stations specifically designed for older people to improve strength, balance, joint movements, mobility and function. The senior exercise park includes unstable surfaces which challenge balance, enhance joint proprioception and promote core strength.
Examples of exercises can be found here
A video of the exercises
More research information can be found here
Locations of the ENJOY senior exercise parks
- Barry Road Community Activity Centre, at 36 Barry Rd, Thomastown
- Central Park Community Centre, at 80 Lonsdale Circuit, Hoppers Crossing
- Liscombe House, at Leith Park, 339 St Helena Rd, St Helena
How older people and volunteers can get involved
Recruitment of older people age 65 and over is currently taking place. Volunteering opportunities are also available to assist in various ways.
Further information can be found here
Barry Rd Senior Exercise Park, Thomastown
Liscombe House Senior Exercise Park, Leith Park
Central Park Senior Exercise Park, Hoppers Crossing
To find out more contact the National Ageing Research Institute enjoy@nari.edu.au, 03-83872536.
How local businesses and organisations can get involved
We are looking for local business and organisations to support our work into age-friendly communities and active space for older people.
Read more here
Updates and news
Training workshops for allied health professionals, exercise instructors, were held on 2 April (Thomastown), 30 April (Thomastown), 7 May (Hoppers Crossing), and 21 May (Leith Park, St Helena).
Further training will be available later this year.
Our partners and funding bodies
ENJOY staff and research team
A/P Pazit Levinger, National Ageing Research Institute
Dr Maya Panisset, National Ageing Research Institute
Mr Jeremy Dunn, National Ageing Research Institute
Prof Keith Hill, Curtin University
Prof Terry Haines, Monash University
A/P Briony Dow, National Ageing Research Institute;
Prof Stuart Biddle, University of Southern Queensland
Prof Gustavo Duque, Melbourne University
Dr Frances Batchelor, National Ageing Research Institute