Because the concept of older adults using playgrounds had surprised many of the
discussion group participants, the participants who took part in the interviews were
forewarned about the topic. This may be why these study participants were generally
more open to the concept. 83% of those taking part in this stage of data collection also
reported that they took regular exercise either as part of their everyday lives or through
organised group activity. 67% of the 18 participants were positive to the concept of older
users using playground equipment with only 11% thinking it was a bad idea. 78%
thought that playgrounds designed to be suitable for both adult and child users were a
good idea. 72% of those interviewed said they would consider using playground
equipment. 56% thought they would make use of playgrounds designed specifically for
adults. When asked how they prefer to use a playground 44% said they would prefer to
use it with children, 33% as part of a group, 11% with a friend and just 6% alone.
In terms of equipment people would be willing to use (if appropriately designed), slides
were most popular, with 44% of those interviewed saying they would use them; 33%
said that they would use swings and 28% climbing frames. When asked what currently
discouraged them from using playground equipment 50% were worried about falling or
thought they were physically incapable; 27% thought that playgrounds were not
designed for adult use and 22% thought it was illegal for adults to use playgrounds.
Other concerns included being labelled as a paedophile, concerns about looking silly
and a desire to not upset children by getting in their way. Only 2 stated that they were
completely disinterested in the concept.