December 2013 - Parks & Recreation - 43

offer them only to those who are economically disadvantaged irrespective
of age. To offer price discounts to the
nonpoor elderly is unfair to those who
are not elderly. It requires the younger
generations, regardless of economic
status, to reach into their wallets in
order that seniors may save money,
when there is no economic rationale
to support this requirement.
Traditionally, 65 was the age when
people were defined as senior citizens. This was the age at which full
Social Security payments could be
obtained, and for more than half a
century it has been used by the Census Bureau to define seniors. This
suggests that when the Social Security age for full payment was raised to
66 in 2009, then agencies' definition
of seniors would also be raised, but
no such linkage has occurred.
The data in Table 2 show the
per-capita median income of $21,779
of those in the 65-74 age cohort is
above the national average, while
among those 75 and over, it falls to
$16,423, which is lower than all other
age groups except the 15-24 cohort.
This suggests that if senior discounts
are to be retained, then the eligibility
age should be 75.
While these data suggest the rational
decision would be to raise the eligibility age from 65 to 66 or 75, agencies
have not done this. Rather, the problem
has been exacerbated by many departments reducing the eligibility age.
Airlines, cable television companies, resorts, movie theaters and other private-sector service providers
of leisure services that used to give
senior discounts have recognized the
changed status of seniors and no longer do so. Those that are still available
tend to be relatively small, typically
10 percent, so they meet the expectation from patrons of there being a discount, but only at a minimum level.
Further, many businesses (e.g., hotels)

do not advertise such discounts and
give them only if they are requested.
General acceptance by seniors to the
private leisure sector's actions suggests recreation and park departments
would have similar success.
Many factors have changed for seniors' status over the last 50 years, and
park and recreation agencies would
be wise to revisit their policies to account for these shifts among members
of their communities. Otherwise, they

risk becoming outdated and imprudent
in their customer service and financial
practices. Embracing the changing demographics and trends now is the best
way to provide for community needs
and maintain financially responsible
and relevant operations.
John L. Crompton is a University
Distinguished Professor for the Department of
Recreation, Parks and Tourism Sciences at
Texas A&M University (jcrompton@tamu.edu).

Local Parks and Recreation Identified as Critical
Ally for Arthritis Intervention Programs
With their ability to reach and serve thousands of people, local park and
recreation agencies have been identified as essential partners to help contribute to the prevention and management of arthritis, which affects 50 million Americans. NRPA and the Arthritis Foundation, with support from the
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have partnered to provide Walk
with Ease (WWE) and the Arthritis Foundation Exercise Program (AFEP) in 24
communities across the country.
Madison School and Community Recreation (MSCR) in Wisconsin
recently led a new WWE walking
program, where trained staff led 72
participants to help them reduce arthritis pain and increase balance and
strength. Participants also received a
manual and pedometer. MSCR held
free introduction events to kick off
the program, and the MSCR FIT2GO
Van also provided fun fitness activities. The WWE program session took
place from September 23 to November 1. Classes ran three days a week
at Tenney Park, Madison Senior Center and Garner Park. The program
was held in cooperation with the
Madison Senior Center and Madison Parks, and participants were charged
$10 per session.
East Las Vegas Community Center in Las Vegas, Nevada, implemented the
AFEP in October 2013. To date, the center has had 30 individuals registered with
average class sizes of 15 to 20 participants, who have indicated that the program has improved their aerobic fitness, such as allowing them to walk longer
without pain, or reducing pain in their joints. In addition, it has provided a routine fitness class and sense of togetherness among the participants. In January,
the staff are planning to offer the AFEP program to two other centers in the city.
For more information, visit www.nrpa.org/Grants-and-Partners/Recre
ation-and-Health/Arthritis-Interventions.

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December 2013 - Parks & Recreation

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