Module 1 - Key Themes: Equity and Sustainability

AI in 326

AI in KPE326 is permitted as long as it only helps with:

• Sourcing info: improving understanding, brainstorming, generating general ideas about topis/structure

• Late stage writing: editing, clarity of grammar

Canadian population

as of April 2025 there are 41.5 million individuals in Canada

seniors

seniors in Canada are the fastest growing population

• 1/5 people aged 65+

centenarian

a person who has reached the age of 100 years or older

• growth rate of this age group exceeds all other age groups

comparing age groups

Canada has more seniors (65+ years) than kids under 15 yrs.

aging across Canada

in the Canadian territories, younger population (0-14 yrs) is greater than older population (65+ yrs)

• social determinants of health, life expectancy

health adjusted life expectancy

refers to the proportion/years of an individuals life where they are healthy (HALE); takes into account quantity and quality of life

• criteria to describe where they are

• Quebecois spends 88% of their life in full health

mortality trends

• infant mortality is still relatively high in 2016 compared to 1900

• in 2016 ages 80-90 experience a bigger peak in mortality (due to greater population, advances in medical tech, etc)

why aging is of interest

aging is of interest for many reasons

• universality → aging is inevitable for everyone

• quality of life → we’ve gotten good at helping people live longer but not always healthier, extending healthspan can mitigate things like frailty, chronic pain, or dementia

equitable and sustainable goals

1. health promotion

2. recovery/rehabilitation from disease/injury

active aging and key health outcomes

Dogra et al 2022 conducted a survey to assess key outcomes that PA can positively impact

1. physical function

2. cognitive function

3. mental health

4. social health

5. sleep

physical function

regular PA helps maintain strength, balance flexibility, endurance

• reduces risk of injury, encourages independence, makes daily tasks easier

cognitive function

PA increases blood flow to brain, supports neuro health, and may slow cognitive decline

• promotes better memory and executive function

mental health

exercise lowers symptoms of depression and anxiety by releasing endorphins and regulating stress hormones

• can boost confidence and provide a sense of accomplishment

social health

group activities and encouragement from family/friends create opportunities to connect and build support networks

sleep

regular movement helps regulate circadian rhythms and improves sleep quality

• supports energy and overall health

ageism

stereotyping, prejudice, or discrimination based on a person’s age

ageism effects

older adults who experience ageism in PA negatively influences their participation

ageist spaces

fitness and PA related spaces (sports venues, fitness centers, gyms) are not considered by society as places for participation by seniors

mandatory retirement

a policy or law that requires a person to retire from their job once they reach a certain age

mandatory retirement effects

negative consequences

positive consequences

negative consequences

• feeling devalued → skills, experience, contributes no longer matter (hurts self-esteem)

• disengaging socially, emotionally, physically → work provides routine, social connections, and mental stimulation (losing that results in withdrawing from social activities or hobbies)

positive consequences

• new stage in life → retirement marks a major transition (opportunity to redefine purpose and priorities)

• time to focus on quality of life → pursuing personal interests (shift from productivity-focused routine to well-being-focused living)

decade of healthy aging

a global initiative led by the World Health Organization (WHO) to improve the lives of older people, their families, and communities over a 10-year-period

• 2021-2030

ageism: a social determinant of health that has come of age

Mikton et al. 2021 identified key areas to combat ageism for the Decade of Healthy Aging

1. developing communities that foster older peoples’ abilities

2. delivering person-centered integrated care and primary health services responsive to older peoples’ needs

3. providing long-term care for those in need

person centered integrated care

healthcare approach that puts the individual’s needs, preferences, and goals at the center of all care while coordinating services across providers and settings

• person-centered: care tailored to the person that addressed physical, emotional, social, spiritual needs

• integrated: different health care services including primary care, specialists, social services, rehab, community support are coordinated so the person experiences seamless care

primary care

the first point of contact in the healthcare system for most people

• e.g. family doctors, nurse practitioners, general practitioners

mistakes in fitness leadership

O’Brien Cousins 2005 identified major mistakes in fitness leadership

• older adults singled out (assumptions of ability, excessive monitoring, sidelined)

  • modify activity accordingly, stop if too difficult, use inclusive language, encourage peer support

aging stereotypes

many assumptions of aging

• aging associated w/ disability and disease

• older people don’t work, are not interesting

• obsessed with health complications

• don’t understand/like younger/contemporary ways of living

• prefer to live in isolation from society

countering ageism

O’Brien Cousins 2005 identified way to combat ageism

• make active older adults visible and important

• educate and foster positive attitudes towards aging

• involve older adults in all aspects of community

• consider full spectrum of older adult interests and needs in program design

• promote intergenerational PA