The following sections present the demographic characteristics of the respondents and describe themes and subthemes found in the interviews and field notes. The organization of the themes with quotes best faithfully captures common topics in the seniors’ words and clearly addresses the aims of the study. To maintain anonymity, the names of the parks and the order of interview substitute for the names of the participants. For example, the first participants interviewed in Xihu Park received the pseudonym of X-1. The participants’ genders and ages appear with each selected quote.
Characteristics of participants
A total of 55 seniors (27 males and 28 females) provided interviews for this study. Seventeen of them were between age 50 and 60, 13 ranged between 61 and 70, 20 between 71 and 80, and two participants were above age 81 with an oldest, 97 years old. Interviews for 22 of the 55 participants occurred in Dongning Park and 33 in Xihu Park. Most of the respondents came to the parks alone. Of the 55 seniors interviewed, 78% indicated that they exercise in the park daily, 13% approximately three times per week, and 9% twice per week. Most of the respondents visit the park in the early morning, for one to two hours.
Use: additional park features for seniors’ activities
Most of the seniors interviewed do not visit the park specifically to use the outdoor fitness equipment; instead, they participate in group exercises or walk; using OFE represents only a supplementary activity. The older adults perceive various pieces of OFE as the park’s additional features that are fun to use. Therefore, some older adults see OFE as a “playground” rather than a resource for “exercise” equipment.
I came to the park for group exercise, and I am heading back home soon to do the laundry. But before I go, I’m going to play on the equipment a little while. (X-25, female, 82 yrs. old).
Based on the participants’ responses, the duration of equipment use varied between 5 to10 minutes and 1 hour. One respondent indicated that seniors, in general, do not use OFE vigorously.
As we are old, our exercise does not need to be that rigorous. (X-25, female, 82 yrs. old).
However, even moderate use of the OFE causes older adults to sweat; as one respondent said:
Although we don’t use this equipment very rigorously, using it does cause us to sweat, which is good (D-03, female, 69 yrs. old).
Most interviewees reported that they used various pieces of OFE; nevertheless, the most popular among the respondents was the arm stretch, as most of users reported shoulder problems. Field notes recorded observation of several wheelchair-bound older adults accompanied by caregivers in the OFE area; however, while the caregivers used the OFE, the physically compromised older adults either did not exercise at all or did a few arm-stretch exercises.
Using OFE for health improvement and as pastime
For most of the older adults interviewed, the main purpose of using OFE is to exercise and improve health. Some respondents mentioned that parks’ OFE is an ideal location for its enjoyable natural environment. As one female respondent reported:
We have had a stationary bike in our house for a long time, but we rarely use it. We like to come to the park to breathe fresh air and use this equipment because it feels more like exercising while coming out (D-03, female, 69 yrs. old).
Some of the respondents viewed OFE as an opportunity to pass time and relieve boredom.
You know…sometimes we just want to kill time in the park, and if we keep our legs moving while we chat with others, we feel good about ourselves because we are exercising (X-27, female, 57 yrs. old).
Benefits of using the equipment for stretching, rehabilitation and to improve mood
Although most of the respondents were unable to identify specifically the types of physiological benefits gained from using the OFE, they agreed that the equipment did enhance health. As one female senior mentioned:
I don’t know exactly if my body has improved or not, but at least, I am exercising and that will lead to better health (D-09, female, 61 yrs. old).
Several of the respondents indicated use of equipment to stretch or as a station for massage to decrease muscle soreness or stiffness. This is especially the case for those suffering from frozen shoulder symptoms, lower back pain, and osteophytes. One female respondent said:
I have frozen shoulder problems, so I came to the park to do some arm stretches, and then, I came frequently to do the pull. Now, I feel that my shoulder is getting better and becoming more relaxed. (X-01, female, 60 yrs. old).
Another female, who previously participated in folk-dance activities in the park, reported that a car accident several years ago resulted in a six-month inability to walk during the rehabilitation. Since her knees could not support her body for extended walking, she has been using the equipment in the park for almost 10 years to help regain lower-limb strength (D-19, female, 75 yrs. old). Another male respondent indicated that he has osteophytes and purposely visits the park to use the equipment for rehabilitation.
I have seen neurosurgeons, who told me that medication is useless. I have to have surgery and then go through rehabilitation. I did not follow his suggestion; instead, I came to use the equipment and found them to be effective (X-24, male, 58 yrs. old).
Besides physical benefits, many of the respondents thought that the equipment improved their psychological well-being.
You will feel happier after using the equipment. It is good. (D-21, male, 84 yrs. old).
Social interaction: developed new friendships from frequent visits
Although most of the respondents visit the park alone, they mentioned the equipment area as a social setting:
I usually come here alone and my husband would join me later, but it doesn’t matter because I come here frequently, and I know most the people in the area; it is fun just to be here (X-11, female, 77 yrs. old).
You come here frequently and you become familiar with the other people here, then, you become friends (X-07, female, 60 yrs. old).
Availability: more OFE needed but space is a concern
Although some respondents think that the amount of OFE in parks is adequate, others think more, during peak hours of use, especially in the early morning or late afternoon, would be advantageous.
I have to take turns to use this equipment, and it is embarrassing to ask those using the equipment to give others a turn. Some people only sit on the equipment to rest, rather than exercise (D-13, male, 70 yrs. old).
Although some identified a need for more or different types of OFE, they recognized the availability of limited space:
We do want to have more equipment, but there is not enough space in the park. One must be careful not to place the equipment too close to each other (X-11, female, 77 yrs. old).
Safety concerns: not a critical problem, but not suitable for children
In general, many older adults do not perceive any safety issues with use of OFE; nevertheless, a few did perceive some risks.
There are no stoppers in most of the equipment; for example, the wheels continue turning without stopping, and that is dangerous (X-18, male, 72 yrs. old).
Some mentioned that falling as a concern; others expressed the sentiment that use of OFE by children seems to be very dangerous.
Maintenance and management: improvement needed
Equipment maintenance and placement have become serious problems. The respondents mentioned that the equipment needs constant maintenance because of rust (X-21, female, 52 yrs. old) and needs lubrication (D-04, male, 97 yrs. old). Several pieces of the equipment are on uneven ground, which does not provide stability, and causes water to accumulate after rain. In addition, respondents suggested installing the equipment under trees to provide shade to avoid sunburn and relief from summer heat.
Several respondents also mentioned that equipment handles and seats should be softer for more comfort. One male respondent said:
The bonny rider is too hard to sit on, and it will increase friction during exercise (X-18, male, 72 yrs. old).
Operation of equipment: most seniors have developed an individualized style
Since no instructions for use accompany the OFE, most seniors, do not have clear ideas for using the machines and their functions.
…but we older adults don’t know how to use these equipment (D-16, male, 77 yrs. old).
Hence, many report having developed their own ways or mimic others’ operation of the equipment. One participant said,
It doesn’t matter how you operate it as long as using it provides benefits (D-12, female, 75 yrs. old).