Over the Hill and Into the Parks: Older Adults in Parks and Rec

The older-adult age bracket is an integral piece to PA Parks and Recreation, with plentiful programs, events, and resources for the generation to stay as active as spring chickens. But what are the exact numbers? And are there areas of programming that still need some extra park power behind them? The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) just published aninsightful study and survey into the findings of older-adult offerings within parks and recreation and plans for future support. And May is Older Americans Month, if you didn’t know. What better time to focus on the boomer generation and lay out some of the facts? 

Good News at a Glance

From NRPA’s findings, there were some great statistics that let us know we’re already on the right path in ensuring the older adult community, which accounts for nearly 17% of the U.S. population, is represented and provided for when it comes to park and recreation programs and events. Here were some of their positive findings:

• 71% of park agencies reported satisfaction with the attendance at older adult programs in the past year. 
• 92% of park agencies offer older adult-related resources and programming.
• 95% of park agencies say that improving social connection and minimizing isolation are the biggest benefits of older adult programming. 
• 89% of park agencies say promoting physical activity is the biggest benefit. 

What’s Being Offered?

Sure, there are plenty of older adult programs being offered all around the U.S., but what are they? Well, 89% are reported to be exercise classes and 86% are sports and games. Staying active does happen to be one of the most integral parts of health while you age, if you didn’t know. 

But let’s not forget: 73% are reported to be arts and craft classes and 73% are also volunteer opportunities. Keeping a sharp mind is actually just as important as the physical, plus classes and social events boost social interaction and lessen feelings of lonesomeness and isolation!

There’s something of interest to be found for any older adult, even the pickier ones who would rather sit at home and watch “Wheel of Fortune” than play pickleball. NRPA’s findings show these as some key resources for older-adult programs:

• Animal/Wildlife groups
• Farm/Garden clubs
• Health and safety organizations
• Historical societies
• Music clubs
• Nationality/Cultural centers
• And many more!

Older Adult Programming: PA Edition

Now that we’ve covered some of the incredible statistics of older adult programming in all U.S. parks and recreation departments, let’s focus on our own home of Pennsylvania. If you yourself are looking for options, or you’re looking to get a parent or grandparent more involved and active, PA has some incredible resources for staying active in your golden oldies.

Exercise and Movement

Something as simple as a few laps around a local park can make a world of difference when it comes to taking care of your body into older adulthood. Our Park Finder can be a simple way to see your nearest park or find a trail that might be easiest to tackle. 

Pennsylvania’s Department of Aging hosts a “Healthy Steps in Motion” exercise program, led by Certified Workshop Leaders, and constructed to help with fall prevention. This can be a great way to not only stay active and meet new folks, but also practice safe ways to handle potentially dangerous situations!

Sports

There are plenty of sports teams and games available to seniors within community centers and parks. In fact, if you’re looking for a bit of friendly competition, The 2024 Senior Games hosted by The National Senior Games Association is in July in the Greater Luzerne County Area. There’s nothing wrong with looking to reach for the gold. 

Senior community centers offer different games to stay active – all you have to do is find one! Pennsylvania’s Department for Aging allows you to choose exactly which county you’re in with their finder to discover a center that may be right for you. 

Arts and Other Affairs

Not into sports? We totally get it. That’s why there are other programs and events to help older adults meet new friends, stay social, and keep their mind at work. Arts and crafts, plus music and other creative endeavors, are one of the most popular. 

In fact, singing can be a huge contributor to senior well-being. The Bucks County Choral Society offers a Singing for Seniors program where older adult singers can belt their hearts out and be cheered on by an audience. 

Or if you’re less into performing and more into brushstrokes, check out Philadelphia’s Senior Art Camp this summer where you’ll learn and enjoy everything from acrylics to mixed mediums!

It’s clear from the statistics of NRPA’s study, the programs and resources provided by U.S. Parks and Recreation are key to the support and enrichment of the older-adult community. With these stats, the department is primed to continue providing for and uplifting the needs of the older generation when it comes to parks and recreation.

Most importantly, stay active, stay young, and enjoy this time in your life to the utmost!