Recreational Programming For Older Adults to Improve Quality of Life with Bates McKinney

In this episode, Mel Pennett and Alex Davis interview Bates McKinney to talk about inclusive programming for older adults. They discuss equity in access and the needs of senior citizens and how to create programming that keeps elderly adults active and engaged both  mentally and physically. The importance of community and social connection (especially during a pandemic) reveals how central community centers are for keeping individuals healthy and socially engaged. Tune in to hear the whole conversation.

Highlights from the Conversation:

• Urban Planning and Park Equity
• Recreational programming for an aging population
• Community Centers and their contribution to quality of life
• Parks and Recreation partnership with Community Centers
• Intergenerational programming for different demographics
• Doctor’s prescription for Parks and Recreation
• Aging in place, fighting loneliness
• Community centers, seniors, and covid-19
• Barriers to access - ability to drive
• Inclusivity of seniors leads to better design for everyone - ADA, non-neurotypical, etc.
• Maslow’s hierarchy of needs 

Guest Mini Bio:

• Bates McKinney works at Spartanburg County Park; designing programming for people who are aged 50 and older. Her background is in psychology and has extensive experience working with people with dementia. Seniors are her passion!

Learn More!

• Learn more about social inclusion from the World Health Organization
• Learn more about building aging and disability friendly cities from the National Institutes of Health

Credits:

Special thanks to guest Bates McKinney. Voice, research, and interview credits to Alex Davis and Mel Pennett. Intro and Outro voice: Alex Davis. Produced by: Raven Nee.