Work

Implementation factors influencing utilisation of Seniors Exercise Parks: A community stakeholder qualitative study

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: • Identified 13 barriers or facilitators influencing uptake of Seniors Exercise Parks by older adults • Used socio-ecological model to analyse stakeholder interviews across five LGAs • Found social connection and peer support key to sustained park engagement • Barriers included poor health, fear of injury, low awareness, and poor visibility • Volunteer-led programs and co-location with amenities boosted participation To examine implementation-related barriers and facilitators influencing older adults’ utilisation with Seniors Exercise Parks and associated programs, drawing on community stakeholder perspectives to inform implementation and scale-up within local government contexts. This qualitative study was conducted as part of the ENJOY IMP-ACT project, a hybrid II implementation-effectiveness study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with 26 stakeholders involved in delivering, coordinating, or recommending participants to Seniors Exercise Park programs across six sites in five Victorian local government areas. Interviews were analysed thematically using NVivo 14. The findings were subsequently interpreted through a socio-ecological lens to examine how factors interacted across levels of influence. According to stakeholders, older adults’ utilisation of Seniors Exercise Parks is affected by their confidence, social support, and the environmental context. Health limits and fear of injury deter participation; structured group sessions, enthusiastic champions, and professional recommendations facilitate sustained engagement. Community visibility, co-location with toilets and amenities, and active promotion are also crucial for awareness and uptake. Uptake of Seniors Exercise Parks is primarily enabled when parks are embedded in socially supported programs and placed/marketed as visible, amenity-rich community destinations. For councils and planners, the key implementation considerations are interpersonal facilitation (champions/clinicians), strategic siting and co-location, and clear signage/branding that reduces perceived risk and invites participation.

Source: Wellbeing Space and Society

DOI: 10.1016/j.wss.2026.100379