An Examination of Practitioner Perceptions of Older Adult Play in Victoria, British Columbia
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Authors
Empey-Salisbury, Madison
Date
2023-03
Type
Language
en
Keyword
Older adults , Older adult play , Play , Planning for play , Urban planning , Urban design , Urban planning and play , Seniors , Victoria , British Columbia
Alternative Title
Abstract
The Canadian population is aging rapidly, with approximately 18 percent of the population currently over the age of 65. By 2068, the older adult population could account for up to 30 percent of the Canadian population, representing a substantial demographic shift in coming decades. While there are a wide range of urban planning interventions that can be used to support the older adult population, the role of play has been largely overlooked. This report aims to fill this research gap by exploring the use of play-based interventions to support the physical and mental wellbeing of older adults. This study consisted of five key informant interviews with urban planning practitioners and aging practitioners in the City of Victoria, British Columbia. The insights from these interviews were used to gain a better understandings of practitioner perceptions of play and to inform recommendations to (1) improve the design of public play spaces that facilitate older adult play and (2) assess the efficacy of older adult play as an age-friendly planning initiative.