November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 22

HEALTH AND WELL-BEING
Empowering older adult wellness
through parks and recreation is a
multifaceted approach that addresses
physical, mental and social health.
Empowering Older Adult Wellness
Leveraging parks and recreation for improved health and Medicare benefits
By Al Kushner
A
s the population ages, the focus on older adult wellness becomes
increasingly vital. For older adults, maintaining physical,
mental and emotional health is paramount to enjoying a
high quality of life. One often underestimated resource in this
endeavor is local park and recreation systems. By leveraging these community
assets, older adults can improve their health outcomes while maximizing
their Medicare benefits.
The Importance of Parks
and Recreation for Older
Adults
Parks and recreation facilities offer
older
adults myriad opportunities
to engage in physical activity, socialize
and participate in community
events. These activities are enjoyable
and crucial for maintaining health
and independence as people age.
Physical Health Benefits - Physical
activity prevents chronic conditions
like heart disease, diabetes
and arthritis. Parks provide a safe
and accessible environment for older
adults to walk, jog or participate
in group exercise classes. Many
parks have outdoor fitness equipment
for older adults, promoting
strength, balance and flexibility.
Mental Health Benefits - Engaging
with nature has been shown
to reduce stress, anxiety and depression.
Parks offer serene environments
where older adults can
relax, meditate or practice mindful22
Parks & Recreation | NOVEMBER 2 0 2 4 | PARK S ANDRECRE AT ION . OR G
ness. Additionally, participating in
recreational activities helps to keep
the mind sharp, reducing the risk
of cognitive decline.
Social Benefits - Isolation and
loneliness are significant concerns
for many older adults. Recreation
programs offer social interactions
through group activities, community
events and volunteer opportunities.
Building these social connections is
crucial for emotional well-being and
can enhance physical health.
Leveraging Medicare
Benefits for Parks and
Recreation
Understanding how to use Medicare
benefits to support participation in
parks and recreation activities can
enhance older adult wellness.

November 2024 – Parks & Recreation

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of November 2024 – Parks & Recreation

November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - Intro
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - Cover1
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - Cover2
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 1
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 2
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 3
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 4
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 5
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 6
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 7
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 8
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 9
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 10
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 11
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 12
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 13
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 14
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 15
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 16
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 17
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 18
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 19
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 20
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 21
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 22
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 23
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 24
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 25
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 26
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 27
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 28
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 29
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 30
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 31
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 32
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 33
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 34
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 35
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 36
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 37
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 38
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 39
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 40
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 41
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 42
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 43
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 44
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 45
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 46
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 47
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 48
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 49
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 50
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 51
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 52
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 53
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 54
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 55
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - 56
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - Cover3
November 2024 – Parks & Recreation - Cover4
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/november-2024
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/october-2024
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/september-2024
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/august-2024
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/july-2024
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/june-2024
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/may-2024
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/april-2024
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/march-2024
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/february-2024
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/january-2024
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/december-2023
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/november-2023
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/october-2023
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/september-2023
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/august-2023
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/july-2023
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/june-2023
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/may-2023
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/april-2023
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/march-2023
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/february-2023
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/january-2023
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/december-2022
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/november-2022
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/october-2022
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/september-2022
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/august-2022
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/july-2022
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/june-2022
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/may-2022
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/april-2022
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/march-2022
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/february-2022
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/january-2022
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/december-2021
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/november-2021
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/october-2021
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/september-2021
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/august-2021
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/july-2021
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/june-2021
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/may-2021
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/april-2021
https://ezine.nrpa.org/nrpa/ParksRecreationMagazine/march-2021
https://www.nxtbookmedia.com