There are two approaches to health and wellness that are explored throughout this chapter. The first is a socio-ecological response, where the recreation system has been focused on changing individual behaviour at the programmatic level. There is the realization that if programs were the single answer, then all the world's problems would be solved by now. What is needed is a much larger systemic response. The second approach relates to the co-creation of authentic and customized health and wellness solutions. Typically, the notion of health and wellness is viewed through the lens of the “expert” and a prescription model that is grounded in “the expert knows what is best for you.” The emerging model is one where the citizen is at the centre of the solution process. People desire the ability to feel more in control and make informed decisions about their health for themselves and their families. In this chapter, the authors explore this topic by reviewing a Canadian health and wellness action study.
TopIntroduction
Health and wellness within the global context of the active economy is significant and has multiple roles. It is defined as the health and wellness products and services supporting the delivery or engagement in organized sport or active recreation. Examples include the government supported health industries or those that are providing medical support and technology from within the private sector. Other examples would include organizations that focus on healthy eating, nutrition, workplace wellness and traditional and complementary medicine. Other examples could include health and wellness products, the fitness industry and wellness real-estate.
In this chapter, the authors, who are leaders for a charitable organization in a diverse sector of Canada’s 4th largest city, will interpret how this sector is represented at the micro level. Before doing that, however, it is important as with all stakeholders within the active economy to understand where they fit within larger contexts. As one example, the Canadian Parks and Recreation Association’s (CPRA) Pathways to Well-being has called for the national recreation sector to shift its focus from facility operations to building individual and community capacity for healthy, active living. According to the report, “our opportunity is to identify concrete ways to work together that enable all people in Canada to enjoy recreation in supportive physical and social environments” (2014).
Canada’s public recreation sector is a key driver in developing solutions to the health and wellness challenges the nation faces. In part, this is because of the whole recreation infrastructure that already exists across cities, municipalities, and other political jurisdictions that can address disease-prevention health and well-being systems. Armed with that knowledge, the sport and recreation sector are now challenged to develop practical, evidence-informed solutions to make a positive impact and perhaps merge into the health and well-being sector.
The health and wellness sector as represented by recreation can and must do more to address the needs of communities; there are two approaches that will be explored throughout this chapter:
1. Socio-ecological Response
The recreation system has been focused on changing individual behaviour at the programmatic level. There is the realization that if programs were the single answer, then all the world’s problems would be solved by now. We probably do not need more programs; we need a systemic response to focus on health and wellness throughout the recreation sector.
2. Co-Creation of Authentic and Customized Health and Wellness Solutions
Typically, the notion of health and wellness is viewed through the lens of the “expert”, a prescription model that is grounded in “we know what is best for you”. The emerging model is one where the citizen is at the centre of the solution process and the entire health and wellness system needs to consider this paradigm shift. People desire to be and feel more in control and make informed decisions about their health and wellness for themselves and their families.
The co-creative approach is iterative, ongoing, and based on the individual person; one size does not fit all. People will explore and incorporate different cultural health and wellness practices to customize solutions that suit their lifestyle, values, and beliefs. For example, there is more and more demand for natural, organic, chemical free, ethically sourced materials. As the digital economy expands into the hands of all generations, data and evidence driven decisions will also be more prevalent in helping customize experiences.
Background
To help us understand the connection between recreation and the health and wellness industry we use an action study focusing on a charity operating a recreation centre. More specifically, we have provided eight action studies that help to show the connection between recreation and the health and wellness element within the active economy.
Vivo for Healthier Generations is in Calgary, Alberta, Canada and is a charity with a vision for world where individuals and communities ignite change to shape healthier generations. Our Research & Innovation Lab and Centre for Community Well-being, Recreation and Sport are platforms to inspire a healthy life.