Beyond the traditional sports such as Tauijiquan exercises in the morning, there are many work-out parcours in parks or estates in Hong Kong and Macau. When PSFK Germany was in the region recently, it was surprising to see those areas being used and accepted by so many elderly people who were doing their work-out. Hard to imagine to see any German seniors working out in a park like this. While it seems to be possible to grow older and remain an active lifestyle in China, being elderly in western society at the same time predetermines you to be totally passive.
An article in The Globe and Mail last year reported about a Playground for seniors in Berlin that offered similar facilities as the ones seen in Hong Kong. The article states that mid-aged people were more likely to accept the playground while the older audience was rather resistant against this offer:
On a sunny morning this week, a white-haired woman with a cane sat on a park bench, watching the passing scene. The fitness park behind her was empty – but for two bunnies. Asked what she thought of the concept of a playground for seniors, she balked: “Forget it. At my age, nobody’s going to tell me what to do!”
We have collected some photos in a Flickr Set.
Facebook
Twitter
Digg
Reddit
StumbleUpon
“While it seems to be possible to grow older and remain an active lifestyle in China, being elderly in western society at the same time predetermines you to be totally passive.”
Wow,that is a pretty blanket statement, any “elderly” westerners care to contradict that?
March 28th, 2008 at 3:52 pm
Looks very funny… does it really works out ;-)
March 31st, 2008 at 3:15 am
@Johndmc
True, I was sort of sweeping there.
However I do still think that there is a big difference between ageing in western and eastern societies. Also, how public spaces are being used by elderly people differs. How visible are old people?
I cannot remember seeing any senior work out or exercising in public round here, that is in Germany, it might happen but more likely behind closed doors. I even think that the quote I put on resembles the society’s state of mind on what senior citizens are supposed to act like. Being active and senior just does not match in most people’s minds. But of course this is a misconception! I think this is mostly about made-up cultural boundaries which are very likely to be torn down within the next decades.
Nowadays companies like Nintendo tour through German retirement castles to introduce the Wii to the senior residents. And this could only be the beginning.
Would be great if you could share your observations on this issue!
April 1st, 2008 at 4:34 am