Friday 12th  September 2025

MEDIA RELEASE

A study led by National Ageing Research Institute (NARI) researchers has been selected as a Silver Award recipient of the 2025 Innovative Research on Aging Awards | Mather Institute. The US-based Mather Institute created the awards, now in their 10th year, to inspire evidence-based practices that improve the lives of older adults.

As an internationally recognised resource for research and information about wellness, ageing, and trends in senior living, the Mather Institute invited submissions by researchers from universities and organisations around the world for this year’s awards, which cover a variety of categories from Ageing in Place to Technological Advancements for Older Adults, and beyond. NARI’s ENJOY team, led by Senior Principal Research Fellow Professor Pazit Levinger, was honored for the innovative ‘ENJOY MAP for HEALTH’ (Exercise interveNtion outdoor proJect in the cOmmunitY for older people - More Active People for HEALTHier communities) project which evaluated the impact of Seniors Exercise Park installations and associated capacity building activities on older people’s park visitation and park-based physical activity.

“This Innovative Research on Aging Award honours NARI and Professor Pazit Levinger for their study on how ‘seniors exercise parks’ can make parks more appealing to those 55+. These awards recognise applied research with practical takeaways for the senior living industry. We aim for these findings to inspire innovations within senior living organisations around the country and the world.”

Jennifer L. Smith, PhD, AVP and Director, Mather Institute

Professor Levinger and the ENJOY team evaluated the impact of installing specialised outdoor exercise equipment in six municipalities’ parks across Victoria, complemented by strategic planning and formal implementation of promotional efforts and community capacity-building activities in the parks. The findings were clear: There was a substantial increase in older people at the parks in the year following installation and a significant rise in physical activity participation.

“Unlike installing play equipment for children, which naturally results in spontaneous play and increased physical activity, older people require support and planning to maximise uptake and ensure the safe use of installed Seniors Exercise Park equipment. The results of our study highlight the importance of supporting community engagement and training, with ongoing commitment of local governments, for sustained impact.”

Professor Pazit Levinger, Senior Principal Research Fellow, NARI

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. NARI, in partnership with 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 across Australia.

A full complimentary report on all the award recipients is available for download at 2025 Innovative Research on Aging Awards | Mather Institute. Nominations will open in February for the 2026 Innovative Research on Aging Awards, with a submission deadline in mid-March.

-ENDS-

NARI Media Contact:                       

Amy Parker
Senior Manager Government Relations and Strategic Communications
National Ageing Research Institute (NARI)
[email protected]

Available for Comment:                  

Professor Pazit Levinger
Senior Principal Research Fellow 
National Ageing Research Institute (NARI)
[email protected]

About NARI:

The National Ageing Research Institute (NARI) is Australia’s leading independent, non-profit medical research centre dedicated to ageing, health and aged care research. With a strong focus on translational research – from healthy ageing through to end-of-life care across all services and settings – NARI makes a measurable difference to the lives of older people and those who care for them.

Founded in 1976, NARI is highly respected across the community, health, aged care and research sectors in Australia and internationally. Our work is underpinned by effective and meaningful collaboration, engagement and co-design with a range of key stakeholders to understand and respond to identified need.

We bring together the expertise of industry leaders, advocacy groups, academics, clinical experts, world-class educators and older people themselves to influence and shape the agenda; providing a bridge between academia, policy and practice by rapidly translating research into accessible evidence, knowledge, tools and resources to enable informed decision making by government, service providers and clinicians. This has positive health, wellbeing, social, cultural, environmental, and economic impacts for individuals and the community.

For more information, visit our website: www.nari.net.au  

About Mather:

Founded in 1941, Mather is a nondenominational not-for-profit organization based in Evanston, Illinois (US), that creates Ways to Age Well^SM. Mather Institute is its research area of service and serves as an award-winning resource for research and information about wellness, aging, trends in senior living, and successful aging service innovations.

To learn more, find your way to: www.matherinstitute.com