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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.

Further insights and strategies for creating inclusive, age-friendly multigenerational recreational spaces, including key design features, safety, and usability considerations, are also available here. Additionally, you can read more about Australia’s first dedicated outdoor rehabilitation space in a hospital setting.

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

Gangway

These instructional resources and videos are for your general information only. Please consult with your healthcare provider if you have, or suspect you have, a health problem or health risk factors. Please be advised the use of the exercises, videos, advice, and information in this resource is at your own risk.

When starting to exercise, begin with the easiest level.

Aim

This exercise improves balance on uneven and unstable surfaces.

Tips

Walk on the central part of the gangway steps, with the middle part of your foot.
Have your knees slightly bent.
Rest as often as you need.
Use the support rails as needed.
No running on the bridge/gangway.
No walking backwards on the bridge/gangway.

Instructions

Level 1

Walk slowly along the bridge using both hands for support.

Level 2

Walk slowly along the bridge using one hand for support.

Level 3

Walk slowly along the bridge with no hand support.

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