We have all learnt to appreciate our environment much more over the last few years, especially during the pandemic when we spent more time in our homes and also more time enjoying our nearby local outdoor spaces.  The importance of safe clean air, both indoors and out, comfortable temperatures, and pleasant places to spend time appreciating nature, and taking some exercise is well known. We are also living in a time of environmental challenge, with higher global temperatures, and increased frequency of climactic events such as storms, floods and wildfires. A range of research questions being investigated by Lancaster University Centre for Ageing researchers, and our colleagues, are examining these specific issues as related to health and well-being in later life.

This one-day Town and Gown event will showcase work from Lancaster University’s Centre for Ageing Research researchers and external partners, and present a series of studies examining issues relating to our interaction with our environment. Examples of the research to be included are research on air quality in terms of its status as a risk factor for cognitive impairment and dementia, on older adults’ needs during disaster response and on the benefits of exercise for people who have recently experienced a bereavement.

We will also hear from some of our PhD students on a wider range of projects from across the centre. There will be a chance to talk to some of our students and other researchers about their work in the lunchtime poster viewings, and learn about some ways to get involved yourself. And of course, we’ll provide a light lunch, all in our exciting new Health Innovation One building at Lancaster University, Hi One.     

Programme

9.30-9.35 Opening Welcome and explanation of programme

Trevor Crawford, Deputy-Director of Lancaster University Centre for Ageing Research (C4AR)

9:35-9:45 The Future Cities Research Institute, an introduction: Emmanuel Tsekleves

ENVIRONMENTAL CHALLENGES

Chair: Trevor Crawford

9:45 – 10:15 Understanding Senior Citizens' Needs During Disaster Response: Julia Sutanto: (Lancaster University),

10:15-10:45 Giving is Getting: Exploring Possibilities of Time Bank Concept in Malaysia: Ooi Pei Boon (Sunway University, Malaysia)

10:45-11:05 Effects of pollution and low-level Carbon Monoxide in the home on older adults’ cognitive functioning: Beth Cheshire, (Lancaster University)

11:05-11:20 Discussion

11:20-11:40 Coffee Break

BENEFITS OF THE ENVIRONMENT FOR HEALTH AND WELLBEING

Chair: Carol Holland

11:40-11:55. Enjoying the outdoors virtually: the role virtual reality could play in older adults’ wellbeing: Sangeetha Babu Manoharan (Lancaster University).

11:55-12:15 Effects of physical activity on mental health in bereavement: Zsuzsannah Balogh (Lancaster University)

12:15-12:30 Restricted mobility and perceptions of the age friendliness of the environment: Eric Balkhi (Lancaster University)

12:30-12:45 Discussion

12:45-14:15 Lunch break, Posters and Exhibition 

Posters from Lancaster University post graduate students

Continuing Learning Group

C4AR Panel 

C4AR PG student Forum

Studying Ageing and Dementia with Lancaster University

Lyrics and Lunch

HIC business partners

VR for wellbeing – have a try! 

Wellbeing walks

            1:15-14:00  Co-research in dementia related studies (in the main Lecture Theatre)

14:15 Please re-join us for the afternoon

Chair: Caroline Swarbrick

14:15-14:45 Heat as threat: caring and ageing in a rapidly warming climate: Gordon Walker (Lancaster University)

14:45-15:15 Travel, Transport, Mobility and Health: Charles Musselwhite, University of Aberystwyth

15:15-15:45 Connecting with nature for mental health and wellbeing: Peter Coventry, University of York

16:00 Housing, Aging and Health Care: Priorities and Policies for the Near Future: Jim Dunn, McMaster University, Canada

16:30-16:45 Final discussion and round-up of the day: Carol Holland

16:45 Round up

Carol Holland, Director of Lancaster University Centre for Ageing Research (C4AR)

Visitor pay and display parking is available at Hi One, with more space available on main campus but we would recommend using public transport if possible; there is a bus stop is at the end of Sir John Fisher Drive, on the A6 and service 1/1A provides a direct connection to the University from Lancaster city centre every 10 minutes.  Maps and directions to campus can be found here.