A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
A platform for research: civil engineering, architecture and urbanism
Expanding the Playful City: Planning for older adult play
Abstract In city planning, as in society, play is considered to be an activity only for children. But why? Play has incredible physical and mental benefits for people of all ages. In the public realm, play can cultivate, connect, and support relationships and community cohesion. I argue that play is particularly well suited to combat the challenges associated with aging and should be considered a key planning consideration of age-friendly communities. Investigating the relationship between play, public space, and older adult wellbeing offers an opportunity for planning academics and practitioners to initiate and lead a new trajectory of age-friendly research and practice.
Highlights This article questions why play in cities is only a children’s activity. Integrating play into city design is beneficial for people of all ages – especially older adults. Conceptualizations and practical realities of age-friendly design can be expanded to include pro-active positivity, creativity, and spontaneity.
Expanding the Playful City: Planning for older adult play
Abstract In city planning, as in society, play is considered to be an activity only for children. But why? Play has incredible physical and mental benefits for people of all ages. In the public realm, play can cultivate, connect, and support relationships and community cohesion. I argue that play is particularly well suited to combat the challenges associated with aging and should be considered a key planning consideration of age-friendly communities. Investigating the relationship between play, public space, and older adult wellbeing offers an opportunity for planning academics and practitioners to initiate and lead a new trajectory of age-friendly research and practice.
Highlights This article questions why play in cities is only a children’s activity. Integrating play into city design is beneficial for people of all ages – especially older adults. Conceptualizations and practical realities of age-friendly design can be expanded to include pro-active positivity, creativity, and spontaneity.
Expanding the Playful City: Planning for older adult play
Hartt, Maxwell (author)
Cities ; 143
2023-09-21
Article (Journal)
Electronic Resource
English
Age-friendly planning and play: the Study of Older Adult Play Spaces (SOAPS) observation tool
| Taylor & Francis Verlag | 2025