The InterActive for Life Research Team, led by Rebecca Lloyd, Full Professor, at uOttawa's Faculty of Education, and Stephen Smith, Full Professor, at Simon Fraser University's Faculty of Education, has partnered with the International Council on Active Aging (ICAA) to explore the impact of wellness-oriented communities on active aging.
Now in its second year, the study has taken the research team to award-winning wellness communities across North America, including Splendido at Rancho Vistoso, Sunnyside in Harrisonburg Virginia, and most recently, Tapestry at Victoria Harbour in British Columbia.
"We are inspired by the range of people we have met that have overcome challenges and found ways to be meaningfully engaged in active ways by living in a wellness-oriented community," says Professor Lloyd. "We've observed that the qualitative features of joy shift depending on the type of activity experienced. For instance, joy in Tai Chi is calming, while joy in kayaking on the ocean is expansive."
The study's initial results have revealed surprising insights into seniors' physical capabilities and desires for growth. "Many senior participants thrive when presented with new challenges and instructors who give them new goals. They've noticed improvements," Lloyd notes. "They also spoke of ageism and how important it is for a physical activity educator not to underestimate their abilities and offer opportunities for continued growth."
Wellness Education
"We've observed that the qualitative features of joy shift depending on the type of activity experienced"
Rebecca Lloyd, Full Professor, uOttawa's Faculty of Education
The research team plans to create open-access resources and mini-documentaries to help inspire joy and meaningful connection in senior living programming.
As the study progresses into its final year, it continues to challenge preconceptions about aging and physical activity. Professor Lloyd recounts meeting a 101-year-old who attends physical activity programs 4-to-5 days a week and notices improvements in alignment and function. The team has also documented remarkable transformations, such as participants progressing from bed-bound to hiking independently within months of working with a personal trainer.
To learn more about this project, visit What is the IA4L & ICAA partnership project? - The InterActive for Life Project (function2flow.ca)
