Active Living through Citizen Science: An Intergenerational Approach

Project Description:

This project seeks to have residents identify features of their neighbourhood environments that influence participation in leisure and transport physical activity through the engagement of adolescent and older adult New Zealand residents.  We hope to improve the local environment and physical activity levels within the New Zealand context by enabling a citizen-partnership to enter into productive, informed dialogue with local authorities and planners.  Researchers investigate aims 1 & 2 within the context of neighbourhoods of Māori communities.

Partners

  • Auckland University of Technology
  • University of Auckland
  • Massey University
  • Stanford University

Participants

  • Older adults and adolescents from diverse cultures and socioeconomic status

Research Question:

Can intergenerational citizen science activities contribute to designing more supportive urban neighbourhoods for physical activity?

Our Voice Impact

"This experience has changed my life.  I see inadequacies everywhere I go as it relates to pedestrian access and safety.  I even stop [at] construction sites to remind them to be considerate of the handicapped in our community.  Thank you all so much for this awareness and empowerment to require change."

~ Pam Jiner, GirlTrek Advocacy Leader, Denver CO