香蕉视频直播淎ging is not lost youth, but a new stage of opportunity and strength.香蕉视频直播 This quote, from American feminist Betty Freidan, summarizes the focus of researchers in UBC Okanagan香蕉视频直播檚 Faculty of Health and Social Development who have an unwavering goal to support successful aging.
香蕉视频直播淏y 2036, it香蕉视频直播檚 estimated that adults over the age of 65 will represent about 20 per cent of the population,香蕉视频直播 says Nelly Oelke, an associate professor at UBC Okanagan香蕉视频直播檚 School of Nursing. 香蕉视频直播淲e know that much of this growing demographic craves autonomy and a fulfilling quality of life enriched by community.香蕉视频直播
But adapting to the unique pace of being an older adult isn香蕉视频直播檛 easy.
香蕉视频直播淪ignificant life changes happen after the age of 50 and these can trigger mental health concerns,香蕉视频直播 says Oelke. She adds that addressing only cognitive changes in aging is an oversight and that mental health also needs to be considered. 香蕉视频直播淒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?香蕉视频直播 she asks.
Oelke and others from UBCO香蕉视频直播檚 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香蕉视频直播檚 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.
香蕉视频直播淎t the Shed, friendships have blossomed and a caring community has been built,香蕉视频直播 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.
香蕉视频直播淚 had nothing to do, and now I have purpose,香蕉视频直播 he says as he embraces this new opportunity.