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As Saskatchewan’s population ages, more seniors may be diagnosed with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a progressive respiratory disorder characterized by shortness of breath, cough and sputum production. Dr. Rebecca Genoe is exploring the role of leisure in the lives of older adults who are coping with COPD.

While it is known that leisure plays a valuable role in coping with a chronic illness and sustaining or re-creating identities threatened by diagnosis, little is known about the role of leisure in the lives of older adults with COPD. Those individuals experience a diminished ability to engage in daily activities and they are force to give up valued roles and activities to the point that their very identities are threatened. Anxiety, depression and fatigue often accompany the primary symptoms. Dr. Genoe is asking a sample of 10 to 15 persons with COPD to take photos of objects or people that are important for their leisure since diagnosis. The patients will also be interviewed, using the photos to guide the discussion. Dr. Genoe then intends to create a website to share the findings, including photos and participants’ stories, with healthcare professionals and persons with COPD and their loved ones.

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