The parks include low-impact exercise equipment such as elliptical machines, static bikes and body flexors and are intended to help promote balance and flexibility. Better balance means fewer falls, goes the reasoning.

Another benefit of the senior parks is that they serve as a community gathering spot, combatting the isolation and loneliness some seniors experience. As Joanna Hughes, a spokeswoman for The Royal Parks, the United Kingdom government agency that manages eight parks in London, noted to Governing.com, “While there are certainly physical health aspects to the playground, it is also there to nurture social and mental health.” Full story. HuffPost.

---

---