Physical activity is an important behaviour that can improve the overall health and well-being of Canada’s aging population. Current estimates of physical activity levels depict a worldwide crisis of insufficient physical activity. The overall aim of this work is to describe physical activity behaviour in middle-aged and older adults, with a particular focus on generating evidence to support physical activity promotion in Canada. This webinar will present research completed using baseline data from the Canadian Longitudinal Study on Aging (CLSA), which includes normative values for the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly, as well as patterns of physical activity behaviour, quantified by the amount and types of activities, examined in the context of several determinants, including age, sex, socioeconomic status, and geographical region. The webinar will discuss current and future directions for physical activity research. Additionally, it will highlight an example of community engagement, specifically a public advisory committee, while conducting a secondary analysis, providing resources for support and additional information.
Cassandra D’Amore completed her PhD at McMaster University in the School of Rehabilitation Science in the summer of 2024. Her current research focuses on physical activity, aging, mobility, and fall prevention. She is particularly interested in strategies that promote independence and enhance quality of life as we age, with an emphasis on preventative approaches centered around movement behaviours. Her PhD dissertation, using CLSA data, explored usual physical activity levels and their determinants in middle-aged and older Canadian men and women. Prior to her graduate studies, Dr. D’Amore worked as a registered massage therapist in rehabilitation clinics and holds an undergraduate degree in Kinesiology.
