Creating unique aquatic facilities for the older adult by Chris White

Water activities of all kinds are among the most attractive to people of all ages.1 From beach vacations to “taking the waters” in European spas, forms of water recreation and health through activity in and around water are many and varied.

Older-adult settings feature numerous kinds of aquatic amenities, many of which enjoy extraordinary success. Yet others languish and don’t get the use they might. Why? This article will examine some of the underlying assumptions and principles that contribute to a well-designed and well-used aquatic facilities complex with a mission to serve the older-adult population.