Dr. Wendy Young
Canada Research Chair in Healthy Aging
Phone: (709) 777-7333
Email: youngw@mun.ca
Research involves: Healthy aging in healthy communities and e-health.
Research relevance: Canadian policy makers have identified a need for supportive social infrastructures and safe, healthy communities that will both prevent the development of chronic diseases and also improve the quality of life of individuals with chronic disease. Dr. Young is helping to create a healthy aging community in Newfoundland, while respecting seniors’ autonomy in choices related to health issues; increasing the connectedness of seniors; and improving the quality of life of individuals as they age.
Healthy aging
Everyone hopes to stay active and healthy as they grow old. Unfortunately, many Canadians aren’t able to.
Memorial University’s Dr. Young, Canada Research Chair in Healthy Aging, is hoping to change that, starting with seniors in Newfoundland and Labrador. Bringing together different research disciplines, she hopes to find out what lessons can be learned about those who are aging comfortably, and to bring the resulting message to small communities in the province.
Using new research and working with existing community resources, Young will focus on what makes for healthy aging, and on reducing the effects of common age-related chronic diseases such as chronic respiratory diseases, cancer, diabetes, cardiac disease, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, stroke, atherosclerosis, and osteoarthritis. Dr. Young will systematically develop, implement and evaluate evidence-based primary and secondary prevention interventions that promote healthy aging for older people. With the support of entertainers, she will then spread her message throughout various small communities.
In the long run, Dr. Young sees a future where isolated seniors across the country can get the support they need from each other and from professionals, keeping them healthy, active and safe, and ensuring that every senior has the best possible quality of life as they age.
