Playing

I was listening to the radio the other night, and there was an item about a new "pensioner playground" which has opened up in Britain. Essentially, it's a little outdoor exercise area designed for older folks. The equipment is focused on improving strength and balance, pitched at the pensioner level, with the aim of having maximum fun.

I've always thought that adult playgrounds were a fine idea. Imagine what we have currently, provided free of charge to all, but on a scale for adults!

But I tell you what - there is no need for adult playgrounds. Last night I was following Isabelle around one of our local children's playgrounds dressed rather unwisely in jandals and a wraparound skirt. Believe me, I had all the challenge I required keeping up with her! Within 10 minutes my upper body was exhausted (there was no way that I was going to do the monkey bars successfully again). And my heart was most definitely beating a little bit faster as I negotiated the high bridges (it never looks so high up from the ground!). Isabelle skipped on ahead of me, confident and happy, and just kept going and going and going and going...

Earlier in the day at a different playground, Aidan scaled a bridge, swung over the top, let go with one arm, then dropped to the ground with ease. He dropped more than his height. "Gosh, that's quite agile really" commented another parent. I guess it was. I was not concerned at all, knowing that Aidan is agile, co-ordinated and has good gross motor skills generally. He has a reasonable understanding of where his limits are. But when I think about me doing the equivalent.....

Last night Orla was paddling away on her ride-on across the netball courts, already determined to try and keep up with her older siblings. Isabelle whizzed around on her scooter, while Aidan zoomed on his motorbike.

So, playgrounds for adults? I think that either "child" or "pensioner" challenges will work fine for me!!