Analysis of the Public Geriatric Parks for Elderly People in Málaga (Spain)

Abstract

Public Geriatric Parks were introduced out of a need to maintain the level of fitness in elderly people. They are located outdoors and are composed of a wide range of apparatus. These parks have initiated a new approach and philosophy to life in elderly people, providing an enjoying leisure time activity that also improves health. They offer a very interesting public service in terms of wellbeing and health for elderly people. The aim of the present study is to identify and evaluate all Geriatric Parks installed in the province of Málaga (Spain), and to be able to contribute new information and recommendations to installers, designers and local authorities in Spain. We analyzed all Geriatric Parks installed in the province of Málaga (Spain). In-situ inspections of 32 parks which consist of a total of 235 apparatus installed in 17 municipalities out of 100 in Málaga. Based on the results obtained in this study we are able to offer the following recommendations: Safety Handbooks and Guides need to be elaborated to control installation and maintenance for this apparatuses.

Keywords

• Physical Activity
• Elderly People
• Geriatric Parks