Pensioners will soon be able to stop the slide into inactivity at playgrounds for OAPs.

Brighton and Hove City Council has revealed officers are working on plans for people play areas.

The open-air exercise arenas, dubbed pensioners’ playgrounds, will give over 60s the chance to keep active.

The Argus can reveal the council has a budget to install outdoor gym equipment in Hove Park later this year.

A council spokesman said: “It’s great to be able to provide facilities that will potentially benefit so many people.

“The equipment can be used by adults of all ages – from teenagers to pensioners – and are there whenever people want to drop by and use it.

“You could combine a session with a walk or jog round the park or put in 10 minutes on the way to the shops so it’s a convenient way to fit exercise into your day.”

Pensioner play areas have been promoted as a way for the elderly to take part in gentle exercise to help their health.

The first one in the UK opened in Manchester last January.

There are also plans to open one in Eastbourne.

They have attracted praise from Age Concern.

Gordon Lishman, the charity’s director general, said: "A well-designed fitness park could be a great way to encourage older people to exercise and socialise.

"Exercising a few times a week can make a big difference to someone's health and doesn't have to be strenuous.

"Equally, socialising with others can help to alleviate feelings of loneliness and depression."

Brighton and Hove City Council’s cabinet has also approved plans to use a £1.1 million grant from Government to renovate 22 children’s play areas in the city with new equipment.

These renovations will take place in two waves.

Work will be carried out on the first eleven at Bexhill Road in Woodingdean, Carden Park in Patcham, Chalk Pit and Mile Oak Recreation Ground in Portslade, Swanborough Drive in Whitehawk, and at Preston Park, Queens Park, St Nicholas, William Clarke Park and Hodshrove Wood in Brighton in 2009/10.

The second eleven will be renovated in 2010/11.

They will be at Happy Valley in Woodingdean, Mackie Avenue in Patcham, East Hill Park in Portslade, Greenleas Recreation Ground in Hangleton, Saltdean Oval and at Barn Rise, Blakers Park, East Brighton Park, Haig Avenue, Woollards Field and Whitehawk Senior in Brighton.