Our Current Older Adult Research Projects
Our research with older adults examines a range of questions about social support in physical activity programs.
A Review of Experiences of Social Support Related to Physical Activity
This systematic review synthesized the qualitative research on experiences of social support related to physical activity among adults age 55+. This study was funded by a University of Calgary University Research Grants Committee Social Sciences and Humanities Seed Grant.
Social Support for Social Participation and Physical Literacy in Older Adults
This series of studies examined social support that older adults need and/or receive to participate in group physical activity programs, support they receive from those groups, and social barriers for participating.
Social Support Predictors of Physical Activity
This study was conducted using data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging and examined social support predictors of physical activity behaviour among adults age 65+. This study was funded by a Canadian Institutes of Health Research Catalyst Grant, support from the O’Brien Institute for Public Health, and a Brenda Strafford Centre on Aging CLSA Data Access Grant. Data for this study were collected by the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (funded by the Government of Canada through CIHR and the Canadian Foundation for Innovation).
Social Support & Body Image in Group Physical Activity
This study sought to understand what behaviours support positive body image and help to cope with negative body image in the context of group physical activity for older adult women.
Moving Together
This study examined strategic priorities and emerging issues to inform the development of a program of research on age-friendly cities related to physical activity and inclusion for older adults, including vulnerable populations.
Older Adults’ Physical Activity and Social Participation During COVID-19
COVID-19 disrupted older adults’ physical and social participation. We examined changes in social participation and physical activity during COVID-19 and perceptions of precautionary measures and online or outdoor classes in older adults/ Understanding behaviour and receptivity to precautions helps providers adapt to COVID-19.
Assessing Social Outcomes in Group Physical Activity for Older Adults
Incorporating the perspectives of both older adults and practitioners, this study aims to assess social outcomes older adults may experience in group physical activity and the challenges faced by practitioners to promoting such outcomes.
Social Support & Group Physical Activity in Older Adults Living Alone
This study examined the role that social participation through physical activity plays in facilitating resilience among older adults who live alone, and barriers and supports to social participation in group physical activity.
Instructor Education: Supporting Adults in the Group Exercise Context
The purpose of this research partnership is to develop evidence-informed resources (training and written guides) for facilitating social support in PA programs for adults, drawing on knowledge about support from populations likely to experience greater barriers to PA and social inclusion in 3 delivery modes (in person, online, matching).
Social Support Among Older Adult Women Participating in Gay Square Dancing
This study aimed to understand experiences of social support among older adults who identify as women and who participate in gay square dancing, and how previous experiences of social exclusion influence these experiences.
Community Dance for Older Adults
This series of studies examined how dancing may contribute to older adults’ holistic wellness. Specifically, how dancing can support ones’ aging journey, experiences of physical activity and embodiment, and age-friendly initiatives were explored.
More research is on its way!
Stay tuned for more research projects.