'Wellness' stations in Welsh parks encourage exercise for older people

LifeTrail, Playworld’s new concept for older generation fitness, has caught the attention of the Welsh Assembly as a means of encouraging mature residents into taking physical activity outdoors.

As a result, Playworld Systems received orders from several Welsh councils as part of the Welsh ‘Climbing Higher Initiative’, with first installations of LifeTrail sparking television coverage.  It’s certainly a bold initiative by the Welsh Assembly setting the scene for other parts of the country to encourage a healthier way of life for the older generation.

Playworld Systems’ wellness stations provide people with the opportunity to take beneficial exercise as they take a normal walk through a park or open space.  A daily total of just 30 minutes moderate intensity activity taken five times a week is enough to drastically reduce the risk of premature death and as much as half the risk of developing a major chronic disease such as coronary heart disease, diabetes and cancer, claim the makers.

The opening of the first Welsh LifeTrail project took place at Tredegar Park, Newport, in May 2007 and since then a total of 20 projects have been installed throughout Wales, from Cardiff, Pontypridd, Aberdare and Torfaen through to Merthyr Tydfil, Ceredigion, Bridgend, Carmarthen, Swansea and Flintshire in North Wales.  Now a second phase of Welsh Assembly funding should see further installations of LifeTrail in Wales.

Commenting on LifeTrail, operations director Paul Clarkson said: 'Research has proven that regular, moderate exercise is vital for our health, and this is particularly important for the older generation.  LifeTrail promotes a well-rounded fitness programme for active adults, and is suitable for people of all ages and abilities'.