14 December 2006

Playgrounds for pensioners

I have heard Jason Grabosky compare toddlers and seniors because they are both quite susceptible to tripping on sidewalk cracks. But i nGermany they are going to try to treat retirees like kids by building parks just for them. Nuremburg is building a prototype park for the elderly that creates special opportunities for them to be engaged in physical activities that promote betterhealth and fitness.

Look, the baby boomers are retiring, and many are doing it young. Are we ready for that time after they spend a few years travelling around in RVs when they'll pick a place to really settle down? Some are eyeing places like Brooklyn where you can really get to know the neighbors and walk to all of your needs. But for much of the country the boomers are going to demand special consideration and facilities, and a decent chunk of them will have the income and/or clout to back up those demands. Where will they go? What will these places be like? Aside from an increased awareness of environmental issues, this could be the single largest factor in changing the American landscape over the next 2 decades and there still seems to be very little going on to prepare in advance.

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