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Promoting Heat Resilience among Older Adults through Group-Based Arts

This project aims to develop a group-based creative arts program, to promote heat resilience among older adults facing extreme heat during the summer periods in BC.  

Project Status: Active

Funding Support: 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿ÚClimate Innovation Seed Funds (2025): Amplification Grant & Pollinator Award; FASS Breaking Barriers Grant (2025)

Project Lead: Dr. Theresa Pauly, 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿ÚHealth Sciences

Co-creation Partners

  • Dr. Atiya Mahmood, 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿ÚGerontology
  • Dr. Nancy Olewiler, 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿ÚSchool of Public Policy
  • Dr. Jessica Pilarcyzk, 51ÁÔÆæÈë¿ÚEnvironmental Sciences
  • Aryana Mohammed, Master’s student in Gerontology and Research Assistant with the Lifelong Health and Wellbeing Lab
  • UBC/Western Gold Theatre
  • reGen Media
  • Climateverse Futures Lab

Expected Outcomes

Expected outcomes include reduced vulnerability to climate-related stressors—particularly heat stress—through increased awareness, self-efficacy, and access to supportive peer networks. The project also aims to contribute to broader sustainability goals by promoting social equity, strengthening community ties, and encouraging environmentally conscious practices, such as the use of sustainable materials in workshops and performances. Additionally, the project will foster collective action and intergenerational dialogue, enhancing both community resilience and older adults’ sense of agency.

Learn more

Ways to Engage

  • August 21, 2026: A Theatrical Journey Through Memory, Climate, and Resilience. This event takes place a the NEST on Granville Island, Vancouver, BC and is open to the public. .
  • September 10, 2026: Seniors’ Heat Resilience Community Forum: Seniors’ Heat Resilience Connect & Learn Event. This event takes place at the Morris J. Wosk Centre for Dialogue at Simon Fraser Unviersity, Vancouver Campus. .

Past