Play Across the Seasons
The purpose of this project was to explore free play among children, youth, and families living in a small rural-urban community in Alberta. Photovoice was used as a method for this project; photos taken by participants are utilized in this video, to show the opportunities and barriers for play that participants felt were in their community.
Understanding Older Adults’ Use of Greenspaces in Taipei, Taiwan
This study took place in Taipei, Taiwan to understand how greenspaces in Taipei support the health and well being of the aging population. Understanding how older adults in Taipei perceive and use outdoor greenspaces has implications for the design and implementation of successful public health initiatives world wide. Results from this study can be used to identify how community green spaces can be better designed, programmed, and promoted to encourage the use of these spaces by older adults in other areas of the world, including North America.
The greenspaces in Taipei offer opportunities for older adults to engage in unstructured physical activities, including walking, using exercise equipment, and socializing. Structured classes are also offered, including Tai Chi, Qigong, and a variety of different dance classes. Visiting local greenspaces offers older adults in Taipei the opportunity to engage in physical activity, but also to socialize with other members the community. This helps to reduce the isolation that is often associated with the changing lifestyles of this age group.
Parks that are inclusive and accessible have positive implications for aging adults who are dependent on their local environments. Harmonizing the social and physical aspects of outdoor spaces has important implications for improving the quality of life of the aging population. Findings from this project can help to shape the way that park spaces can be utilized to support the health and well being of older adults and the aging population in other areas of the world.
This short video provides a background of the project and further details about the greenspaces in Taipei. Dr. Nykiforuk was a member of this project team, which was led by Dr. Donald Schopflocher and Dr. Karen Lee, School of Public Health, University of Alberta.