Physical Activity Behaviours at Older adults Outdoor Gyms at Public Parks in Hong Kong: Structured Observations

Abstract

Aims and objectives: This study aims to gain an understanding on the current usage and physical activity (PA) behaviours of older adults at Elderly Outdoor Gyms (EOG) in Hong Kong. Background: The WHO’s ‘Global Age-Friendly Cities’ checklist outlined outdoor space as one important aspect in an aged-friendly city. Outdoor gyms (OG) at public outdoor spaces are infrastructure in the outdoor spaces environment that directly affect PA. In Hong Kong, OG designed for older adults was named as “Elderly Fitness Corner”, it has been built and managed by Leisure and Cultural Service Department (LCSD) in public parks and public leisure venues in Hong Kong. To date, there were qualitative studies that investigate the perceptions from older adults on EOG, but structured observations were rarely conducted. Design: StructuredObservations at EOG was performed. Methods: Structured non-participant observations were performed during March and August, in the morning (8:30–9:30 a.m.). Applying maximum variation purposeful sampling strategy, 3 EOG located at three parks with low, medium and high area-based socioeconomic status were selected to be sampling sites. Results and Discussion: Older adults were the major user group of EOG. Apart from those apparently healthy older adults, older adult with poor mobility assisted by walking stick and wheelchair bound older adult assisted by employed caregiver were the major user sub-group in the EOG. Although among all the three sampling sites, only one sample site (EOG at Sha Tin Central Park) has fitness stations designed to be used by wheelchair user, wheelchair-bound older adults were observed using some of the fitness equipment at all the sampling sites (e.g. Tai Chi Wheel and Shoulder Stretch Equipment). Apart from using fitness equipment, older adults with poor mobility was observed using instructional sign to assist them in practicing walking and use handrail of the foot massage path to assist them in legs swinging actions. One site (i.e. EOG at Sham Shui Po Park) was used by the highest number of older adults with poor mobility, it might be due to the design of the EOG in which it is rectangular in shape and all the fitness stations are surrounded by benches. It is observed that older adults with poor mobility would go to these benches to sit and acquire adequate amount of rest before they go to different exercise stations and exercise. Conclusion: The findings of this study give supports to the potential role of outdoor spaces as healthcare intervention for older adults (Kershaw et al., 2017) and give insights to park designers that future design of EOG should cater for the needs of older adult with different disabilities in terms of the variety of equipment to be included and the macro deign of EGO. Adequate seats, pathway with handrails for them to practice walking and safety parameters should be considered.