USask-led research project launches Brain Healthy Centre

A University of Saskatchewan (USask) research team has launched a community-based initiative at Moose Jaw’s Kinsmen Sportsplex aimed at supporting brain health through healthy eating, physical activity and social connection.

Supported by a Saskatchewan Health Research Foundation (SHRF) Impact Grant, the project brings together researchers, community organizations, municipal leaders and recreation facility staff to explore how public recreation spaces can better support healthy aging for adults aged 50 and older.

Led by researchers from the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition and the School of Public Health, the initiative will identify practical ways to make the Kinsmen Sportsplex more accessible and welcoming while encouraging healthy lifestyles and community engagement.

The project is a collaborative effort involving members of the Eat Healthy Play Healthy (EHPH) multisectoral Provincial Advisory Committee, including representatives from the Saskatchewan Ministry of Health, Saskatchewan Health Authority, Saskatchewan Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport, SaskSport and the Saskatchewan Parks and Recreation Association. Together, these partners are working to create environments that make healthy choices easier.

Principal investigator Hassan Vatanparast and research team member Stacey Wiens visited the Kinsmen Sportsplex on July 16 to launch the project. During the visit, they met with municipal and facility representatives, toured the facility and discussed opportunities to strengthen existing health and recreation programs.

Scott Osmachenko, acting director of parks and recreation services for the City of Moose Jaw, joined Vatanparast and Kinsmen Sportsplex facility director Shelley Howe to discuss future collaborations and opportunities to expand healthy active living programs throughout the city’s recreation network. The project’s next phase will focus on creating a Brain Healthy Centre environment for patrons, families and staff.

As part of this work, concession operator Roda Shaw is collaborating with the research team to identify ways to enhance food and beverage options, support meaningful physical activity and create opportunities for social connection within the facility.

Researchers from the College of Kinesiology are developing and expanding physical activity programs focused on cardiometabolic health and balance training for older adults. The programs will incorporate cognitive challenges, including multitasking and problem-solving activities, to help keep both body and mind engaged.

At the same time, the nutrition team in the Vatanparast Nutritional Epidemiology Lab is working with the facility to increase access to brain-healthy food choices and make nutritious options easier to select.
Beyond supporting healthier daily habits, the initiative is intended to serve as a model that could be adapted in other recreation facilities in Moose Jaw and communities across Saskatchewan.