Senior Sports Equipment: Enhancing Mobility and Community
Exercise is crucial for everyone, especially in outdoor settings. Recognizing this, many care centers are creating experience gardens to promote physical activity. One such initiative is the Generation Garden, opened by the Norschoten Care Organization in Barneveld in early 2020. This space is designed to bring together clients, their families, staff, and local residents.
A Welcoming Space for All
The wheelchair-accessible Generation Garden features a sports area with boot camp facilities, a children's playground, and exercise equipment tailored for seniors. Additionally, benches and a cozy terrace are available, ensuring that everyone feels welcome and comfortable in this vibrant community space.
Petra van den Brink of Norschoten Care Organization shared the positive impact: "After a year and a half, the care staff have fully embraced the initiative, and our clients are more active than ever."
Aerial view of Norschoten Care Organization's Generation Garden with seating, garden, and exercise areas.
The Inspiration Behind the Generation Garden
Two years ago, Norschoten identified a need for increased physical activity among their clients. Petra explained, "Our large exercise project revealed that our clients were not getting enough exercise, a trend seen nationally. We also noticed a need for more community interaction. Collaborating with Lappset Nederland, we developed the idea for the Generation Garden, and the partnership was fantastic."
To further encourage physical activity, Norschoten hired additional exercise educators and motivated care staff to engage clients in more movement. Simple actions, like walking with clients instead of using wheelchairs, have made a significant difference. Petra noted, "With the entire team's efforts, clients are now more active and engaged in their routines."
A Community Exercise Hub
The Generation Garden also benefits the neighboring Norschoten residential area. Petra highlighted, "Our clients are encouraged to exercise, and it's a place where local children and youth can play and participate in sports. This creates a lively environment focused on community and interaction. Clients indoors also benefit from the view of ongoing activities, stimulating their senses and fostering connections between generations."
The Impact of an Exercise Garden
Petra emphasized the benefits of casual movement: "Every exercise directly improves daily functioning. For example, walking down a ramp enhances balance, loosens ankle joints, strengthens leg muscles, and reduces fall risks."
The garden is expected to improve clients' physical and mental health significantly. Petra concluded, "Everyone knows that exercise positively affects health. Being outdoors also boosts well-being. With the right environment, we encourage our clients to exercise regularly and enjoyably. The Generation Garden is a vital part of this effort."
Source: Rabo&Co
