Where we live can have an important impact on how we feel and how we age. Recent studies have suggested links between neighborhood greenspaces and improved health, both mentally and physically. The CLSA dataset provides valuable insight into this connection, and how the make-up of a neighborhood can influence and improve aging outcomes for different populations.
The next CLSA webinar, presented by Susanna Abraham Cottagiri and Irmina Klicnik, will explore the impact that urban greenness and neighbourhood factors can have on an aging body and mind, including how they relate to mental health, physical activity, sedentary time, self-rated health, and geriatric health outcomes. Join us on Wednesday, April 19 at noon.
Susanna Abraham Cottagiri is a second-year PhD candidate in Epidemiology at Queen’s University. For her thesis, she is looking at cancer incidence in the vicinity of Canadian nuclear power plants using the Canadian Census Health and Environment Cohorts (CanCHEC) cohort. Her supervisors are Dr. Paul Villeneuve from Carleton University and Dr. Will King from Queens University. She currently works part-time on the CLSA data as an FSWEP (Federal Student Work Experience Program) student with Public Health Agency of Canada (PHAC), Dr. Villeneuve and Dr. Esme Fuller-Thomson.
Irmina Klicnik is a third-year PhD candidate in Health Science, working under the supervision of Dr. Shilpa Dogra. Her dissertation focus is on the topic of “active aging”, defined as the intersection between social participation and movement behaviour. Irmina has published two papers utilizing data from the CLSA and is especially interested in exploring the role of neighbourhood factors as they relate to active aging. Irmina is also a trained therapeutic recreation specialist, with nearly 15 years of experience working with older adults. This professional experience has influenced her research interests and given her practical insights into the challenges facing seniors as they strive to remain active and engaged in their communities. Her research on active aging promises to contribute to a growing body of literature on the topic and provide valuable insights into the factors that shape healthy aging in our society.
