This research project aims to study the factors which can influence engagement in physical activity in older adults and how it is linked to health. Using data from multiple countries and collected over periods of up to 12 years the research project will look at the influence of socioeconomic and environmental factors on this relationship. The research project will also investigate the individual neuro-psychological factors that influence individuals’ engagement in physical activity with the aim of developing clinical interventions that can increase people’s level of physical activity.

Issues involving the introduction, learning and embracing of new knowledge, innovation or practice change in healthcare are critical as the innovation impacts the quality of service and care of patients. Long-term care (LTC) is a sector that has historically faced its own unique challenges in moving research knowledge into practice.

Older adults living with frailty recover less quickly following minor illnesses and are more likely to be hospitalized or die. Therefore, it is of importance to identify strategies to prevent or treat frailty. In Canada, there is currently no available multi-component interventions addressing frailty in long-term care settings. This project will evaluate the effectiveness of a multi-component intervention on frailty in Canadian older adults with high risk of frailty in a long-term care home, and explore the feasibility for the planning of future studies with larger group of participants.