by Cree McCree
WHAT’S HAPPENING
- The Swinging 60s are returning to New York’s Upper East Side. The city is turning a portion of John Jay Park into a playground for the over-60 set that will feature senior-friendly swings and exercise equipment, along with chess tables and other amenities.
- Modeled on similar parks in London and Shanghai, the older-adult oasis is part of New York’s commitment to becoming an age-friendly city for the Big Apple’s 1.3 million residents over the age of 60 (Wall Street Journal 8.6.10).
- Look for more such parks to follow. Within 20 years, New York will be home to more seniors than school-age children.
WHAT THIS MEANS TO BUSINESS
- It took a while to hop across the pond, but a concept born in Europe and Asia is finally taking root in the U.S. About time; New York is hardly the only city that grows grayer every day.
- Unlike pricey youth-centric gyms, senior-friendly playgrounds let Matures stay active while socializing with peers.
- Universal design isn’t just for private homes. As the population ages, making public spaces accessible to all ages is a city-planning mandate.
RESOURCES
