Applying a participatory design model-making engagement activity to understand how different stakeholders envision senior-friendly outdoor gyms in parks

Abstract

Purpose: Population aging has led to an increased focus on creating outdoor gyms in parks for seniors. Twenty-five participants from a broad age spectrum, with different education levels, and with different role identities participated in the model-making engagement activity and semi-structured interviews in parks and university settings. Themes associated with participants’ choice of exercise apparatus, supportive environmental design, and spatial arrangement in the outdoor exercise space were identified. The three-dimensional models created by the participants provided visual insights into their envisioned senior-friendly outdoor gyms. The findings of this study provide valuable guidance for designing senior-friendly outdoor gyms in parks.