Outdoor fitness equipment in parks and ageing well

Posted by on 30 April 2026

Here is a summary of University of Auckland's summer student, Alexandria Sharp's summer project (supervised by Prof Janine Wiles and Dr Carl Webber).

photo courtesy of Alexandria Sharp

Outdoor fitness equipment (OFE) is increasingly used worldwide as an accessible way to support physical activity, particularly as populations age. Yet, there is limited evidence — especially in Aotearoa — about how this equipment is actually used and whether it supports older adults’ wellbeing beyond physical health.

Our research explored how older adults engage with OFE in Auckland parks, with a particular focus on whether these spaces support social interaction and connection. Through a literature review, park audits, 65 hours of observations, and on‑site interviews, we found that older adults do regularly and intentionally use OFE, often for longer periods and alongside other activities such as walking or Tai Chi.

While overt social interaction was limited, many users experienced small but positive moments of connection — such as friendly smiles, waves, and shared familiarity. These low‑pressure, incidental interactions suggest that OFE may function as a subtle “third space”, supporting feelings of connection and belonging without requiring active social engagement.

These findings provide a foundation for future research and have implications for how public spaces, equipment design, and park planning can better support older adults in diverse communities.