The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA), the foremost advocate for parks and recreation in the nation, is pleased to announce the acquisition of funding to bolster the organization’s Healthy Aging in Parks initiative, firmly rooted in research.

With the generous support of the RRF Foundation for Aging, NRPA is harnessing the potential of parks and recreation to facilitate aging in place, cultivate social connections, and combat the prevalent issues of loneliness and isolation among older adults. NRPA has secured a grant of $86,000 to undertake a research project aimed at identifying promising interventions and scaling practices to enhance social and intergenerational connectedness. Utilizing the outcomes of the research, along with case studies and focus groups, the organization intends to formulate and disseminate a framework for healthy aging in parks. This initiative seeks to enhance the capabilities of park and recreation professionals in addressing healthy aging and promoting overall well-being.

Expressing gratitude for the collaboration with the RRF Foundation for Aging, Kellie May, NRPA’s Chief Partnerships Officer, remarked, “NRPA is thankful for the opportunity to collaborate with the RRF Foundation for Aging to augment park and recreation resources in support of healthy aging and intergenerational connectedness through parks and recreation. Parks and recreation are indispensable to community well-being and are increasingly recognized as a significant social driver of health. It is crucial for older adults to maintain social connections, and parks and recreation can continue to serve as the conduit to interconnectedness.”

Healthy Aging revolves around preserving the health, independence, and social connections of older adults. NRPA’s Healthy Aging in Parks initiative assists local park and recreation agencies in addressing the diverse needs of a growing older adult population, fostering more inclusive, thriving, and resilient communities. Park and recreation agencies play a pivotal role in supporting older adults, with nine out of ten agencies offering facilities, activities, and programming specifically designed for older adults. Additionally, 96 percent of agencies highlight supporting social connectedness as the most significant benefit they provide to older adults.

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