Dr. Mei Lan Fang aims to create age-friendly living ecosystems

We would like to welcome Dr. Mei Lan Fang who joins the Department of Gerontology as an assistant professor.

Fang’s background in co-creating healthy, inclusive age-friendly cities and communities, and aging in the right place make her a great addition to the department. We interviewed Fang to learn more about her and the research she is currently engaged in.

Tell us about yourself.

I am an Assistant Professor specializing in Urban Aging within the Urban Studies and Department of Gerontology at Simon Fraser University, Canada. Additionally, I serve as a Visiting Scholar in the School of Health Sciences at the University of Dundee, Scotland. My research focuses on advancing community-based participatory research concepts, theories, and methods to co-create healthy, inclusive, and age-friendly places and environments.

What research are you currently working on?

As the Co-Lead, I’m currently working on IncludeAge, a £1.7 million project funded by the UK Economic and Social Research Council. This innovative study adopts a transdisciplinary approach, employing mixed methods guided by Community-Based Participatory Research principles. The project includes life course interviews, GIS story mapping, and social network analysis to explore the inclusion of mid-older individuals (40+) who are often marginalized, specifically those with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) and LGBT+ individuals. Our goal is to translate these findings to enhance the WHO Age Friendly Cities and Communities framework, ensuring that our research has practical and impactful applications for creating more inclusive environments for these populations.

Can you describe what an age-friendly living ecosystem is?

An age-friendly living ecosystem is a comprehensive and interdisciplinary framework aimed at providing a guiding structure for creating supportive environments for individuals of all ages. This concept encompasses a holistic perspective, considering all aspects of life such as physical, emotional, social, and virtual interactions. By involving various fields like healthcare, urban planning, social sciences, and technology, the ecosystem leverages a multi-disciplinary strategy to address the complexities associated with aging. 

The ecosystem is also multi-modular, integrating different components that work together harmoniously. These include intergenerational activities, age-friendly infrastructure, virtual communities, and trans-regional initiatives. The emphasis is on creating inclusive environments that support both physical places, like parks and community centers, and virtual spaces, such as online forums, fostering interaction and engagement across generations. Trans-regional collaboration is another key element, recognizing that age-friendly environments benefit from shared knowledge and innovations across regions and even globally. This approach goes beyond traditional, linear methods confined to a single discipline or modality, advocating for a dynamic, interconnected strategy that can adapt to diverse needs and contexts. 

Ultimately, the ecosystem prioritizes engaging a diverse group of people in collaborative activities. This collaborative effort is essential for moving beyond conventional single cause-effect approaches, creating a rich, inclusive community where individuals of all ages can thrive and contribute.

What do you hope to achieve through your research?

Through my research, I aim to co-develop practical and effective solutions with older individuals to ensure they can maintain happiness and well-being in their communities for as long as possible. By engaging directly with older people, I hope to understand their unique needs and preferences, and to create environments that support their physical, emotional, and social well-being. This involves not only enhancing physical spaces but also integrating virtual and social components that foster a sense of community and belonging.

Outside of academia, do you have any hobbies or passion projects that you enjoy?

I love spending time with my one-year-old son, especially playing together and sharing meals. He has a curious palate and enjoys trying new foods, which makes our mealtime adventures fun and exciting. Additionally, I have a passion for gaming and find great enjoyment in immersing myself in role-playing games on my PS5.

From your experiences, do you have any advice for students that are navigating their career in the field of gerontology?

Embrace the opportunities that come your way, but always stay true to your passions. Remain authentic and focused on what truly interests you. Be open to exploring new and even controversial ideas, as they can lead to growth and innovation.

Originally published in the SFU Gerontology Research Centre's June 2024 issue of the GRC News.