Parkour is an acrobatic sport that uses the environment as an obstacle course. It’s a sport that requires a lot of running, jumping and flipping. Traditional parkour participants are young, but in some Parkour gyms that’s about to change.
Parkour Generations America is a national organization that offers classes aimed at adults ages 50 and up. These classes are advertised as teaching “how to avoid falls, or how best to fall if it happens, and how to turn obstacles into opportunities.”
Falls are the leading cause of injury-related deaths among people who are older than 65. Non-fatal falls can also cause significant injuries that can limit mobility and independence. Falls can also have a lasting psychological impact, causing elderly people to worry about leaving their homes.
Parkour teaches skills that can help seniors improve their balance. By strengthening themselves, seniors will hopefully avoid falls, reduce the risk of injury and maintain independence.
