What is this Study about?

Exposure to nature—even just a few minutes at a time—supports improved attention, mood, self-regulation, and social connection.

“Green health initiatives” are outdoor or nature-based activities designed to have a potential positive impact on health. Some of these initiatives are specifically designed to include people living with dementia. These can include walking groups, golfing, farm gardening programs, and seasonal social activities located in parks or natural spaces. We are currently conducting an international literature review to find out more about when and how green health initiatives operate to generate benefits for people living with dementia. As part of this initiative, we are planning a series of three consultation events to learn more about the interests of people living with dementia. For each consultation, participants will receive a $20 Tim Horton's gift card in thanks for their time.

What is this Study about?

This study will explore how online group singing can contribute to participants' sense of wellbeing, meaning, social connection, and learning. Participants are people living with memory concerns or dementia and their care partners, and must still live at home (i.e. not in long-term care). This mixed methods study will measure participants' (voluntary) responses to brief questions about their feelings before and after each rehearsal through visual analogue scales (quantitative). Participant engagement will be observed using the Group Observational Method of Engagement during rehearsals. Participants' (voluntary) verbatim narratives will be captured through interviews (qualitative) and analyzed using thematic analysis. Findings will form the basis of the choir facilitator's doctoral dissertation and may be included in academic journals or community workshops so that programming can be developed and improved for people living with dementia and their care partners.

What is this Study about?

This research aims to explore the perspectives of older adults living with dementia, providing a nuanced understanding of their experiences and challenges. Second, it seeks to investigate the role of physical activities in their lives, examining how engagement in such activities influences their cognitive function and mental well-being. Finally, this research aims to inform interventions and policies that can support older adults in maintaining their cognitive health and overall well-being.

The data will be used for the researcher’s master’s thesis, and for publishing peer-reviewed and non-peer reviewed articles, conference presentations, webinars, and presentations for professionals.