Forget the rocking chair, here comes the senior playground

The population of industrialized countries is aging quickly. The big generation that was born after the World Wars is reaching the age of retirement now. Compared to their ancestors, this generation is more active than ever, but they still cannot beat the effects of aging.

In the start of the 21^st century, Finnish playground manufacturer Lappset conducted a study of the everyday lives of senior citizens. The research generated ideas that lead to the concept of Senior Sport, a series of fitness equipment specifically for the elderly.

The senior playground (playground in Finnish leikkialue), as it is playfully called, is to facilitate and enrich the everyday lives of senior citizens through physical outdoor exercise and the good feeling it produces. This is actually the mission of Lappset: to get people to go outside to play and exercise – regardless of age.

The Lappset Senior Sport equipments have been designed with physiotherapy professionals. Motor skills and muscle tone get weaker with the age, starting from the age 40. These abilities affect to the sense of balance, and it is commonly known that senior citizens are vulnerable to falls. For older persons, broken bones may take a long time to heal and cause long periods of immobility. This is the reason why staying physically active is important for older persons.

The exercises with Senior Sport equipment are to improve balance and coordination of elder persons, and maintain their mobility. These kinds of physical exercise support the capacity to cope with everyday tasks, from buttoning one’s shirt to traveling by the bus.

Senior playgrounds may improve the quality of life in mental way as well. According to the studies, 37 percent of persons aged 75 or over live alone, but the need for social interaction does not disappear as we get older. Senior playground may offer the place to meet other people, and outdoor pursuits done together with others definitely support both mental and physical wellbeing. Even though the Senior Sport equipment range is designed for the elderly, it is equally suited for children to play on. A senior playground can become a meeting place for different generation, offering outdoor fitness (In Finnish ulkoliikunta) activities for all age group.

The secret of long good life is to keep one’s body and mind active. No matter what age, the most enjoyable of exercises is play. The Lappset Senior Sport inspires people to be playful, exercise and to challenge their bodies and senses – no matter what age group they are.