含羞草研究社淎ging is not lost youth, but a new stage of opportunity and strength.含羞草研究社� This quote, from American feminist Betty Freidan, summarizes the focus of researchers in UBC Okanagan含羞草研究社檚 Faculty of Health and Social Development who have an unwavering goal to support successful aging.
含羞草研究社淏y 2036, it含羞草研究社檚 estimated that adults over the age of 65 will represent about 20 per cent of the population,含羞草研究社� says Nelly Oelke, an associate professor at UBC Okanagan含羞草研究社檚 School of Nursing. 含羞草研究社淲e know that much of this growing demographic craves autonomy and a fulfilling quality of life enriched by community.含羞草研究社�
But adapting to the unique pace of being an older adult isn含羞草研究社檛 easy.
含羞草研究社淪ignificant life changes happen after the age of 50 and these can trigger mental health concerns,含羞草研究社� says Oelke. She adds that addressing only cognitive changes in aging is an oversight and that mental health also needs to be considered. 含羞草研究社淒id you know that high rates of suicide are found in men between the ages of 45 and 65 and that the highest rate occurs in men over 85?含羞草研究社� she asks.
Oelke and others from UBCO含羞草研究社檚 Institute for Healthy Living and Chronic Disease Prevention (IHLCDP) research team are exploring how to reach these at-risk individuals, especially those who live in rural communities with limited social networks.
One of these initiatives involves partnering with the Okanagan Men含羞草研究社檚 Shed Association (OKMSA), a non-profit society with a mandate to engage men (and women) of all ages, foster social connections and increase their well-being and self-esteem through participation in community projects.
Master of Social Work alumnus Ian Pryzdial witnessed the instrumental bonding that occurs amongst the sounds of hammers and drills.
含羞草研究社淎t the Shed, friendships have blossomed and a caring community has been built,含羞草研究社� he says.
One participant agrees saying that since his wife passed away and his children have moved abroad, going to the Shed has become routine.
含羞草研究社淚 had nothing to do, and now I have purpose,含羞草研究社� he says as he embraces this new opportunity.