Designing an Intergenerational Park to Improve Health and Wellbeing Among Older Adults

Parks and green spaces are essential for promoting health and wellbeing across all life stages, while serving as social hubs for communities. In South Africa, most parks are designed for children, featuring colorful playgrounds that promote physical activity. However, public parks and urban spaces often lack facilities for older adults, limiting their opportunities for physical activity and social interaction. The World Health Organization (WHO) projects that by 2030, the global population of people aged 60 and older will reach 1.4 billion, with a significant portion of this growth occurring in developing countries. This demographic shift is accompanied by rising healthcare costs and a higher prevalence of chronic diseases like diabetes, osteoporosis, and Alzheimer’s, which disproportionately affect older adults. Mobility issues and balance problems further increase their risk of fall-related injuries. The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated isolation and mental health challenges in this group, highlighting the urgent need for age-friendly environments. Since 2021, governments globally have revisited urban design to revitalize public spaces, developing outdoor exercise areas, exciting amenities, and trails specifically for older adults. This project underscores the importance of creating leisure spaces in public parks tailored to an aging population, connecting environmental design and landscape architecture with health and wellbeing to promote evidence-based solutions for improving quality of life. The project conveys how public open spaces can be re-designed as a pivotal community amenity that can invigorate and engage everyone, regardless of age, ability, or cultural background.