RSU Social Sciences Research Centre studies connection between health, aging, and environment

What factors shape our health as we age? How does the environment around us, from the natural spaces we live near to the technology we use, affect our well-being, particularly during midlife? These are some of the big questions being explored in a new research initiative at the Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) Social Sciences Research Center led by Prof.  Aija Lulle. Focused on midlife and aging, the study aims to address these complex questions and explore how our surroundings and life experiences shape our health over time.

Health and environment

What makes this study particularly exciting is its focus on midlife, a time when health changes are often felt but rarely studied in-depth.

‘For many, midlife is a time to focus on work, family, and responsibilities. But it’s also a critical moment when people should begin to think more about their own health,’

Prof. Lulle notes.

New perspective in addressing aging and pain

The study also delves into the complexities of aging, particularly the physical and emotional challenges that come with it, like pain. ‘Experiencing pain is common in aging, but it’s not just about physical discomfort,’ says Prof. Lulle. ‘Our emotional health, our social environments, and even our life experiences all play into how we experience and cope with pain.’

Prof. Lulle and her team are working to understand the connections between aging-related pain, chronic conditions, and how society can better support people facing these challenges.

‘We’re not just looking at the physical aspects of pain but also how it affects a person’s emotional and social life,’ she adds.

The role of technology: A double-edged sword

As technology continues to shape our daily lives, the team is examining the role it plays in health management—especially for people in midlife. ‘Technology has the potential to help people manage their health, but it needs to be used in a way that prioritises well-being over profit,’ Prof. Lulle emphasises. Her team is exploring how mobile apps and digital tools can support people in making healthier choices while remaining wary of how these tools might be used to exploit vulnerable individuals.

A more compassionate approach and dementia care

Another focus of the study is dementia and societal attitudes toward those who live with it. ‘Unfortunately, people with dementia are often marginalised or mistreated. We want to change that narrative and advocate for a more compassionate and human-centered approach,’ Prof. Lulle says. The team’s work seeks to challenge societal norms and develop strategies that ensure that elderly people, particularly those with memory-related conditions, are treated with dignity and respect.

Approaching health through collaboration across disciplines

Prof. Lulle notes that ‘by combining knowledge from different fields, we’re able to approach health and aging from all angles. It’s about understanding the whole person—how their environment, life experiences, and health systems interact.’

One of the most powerful aspects of this study is its interdisciplinary approach. The team brings together experts from fields as diverse as biomedicine, social sciences, and geoinformatics. Each team member’s expertise helps form a more comprehensive understanding of health.

What’s next?

While the study is still in its early stages, the team is optimistic about its potential to influence both policy and public understanding of health, aging, and well-being. ‘We’re just beginning, but our hope is that this research will lead to real-world changes that improve how we support people during midlife and as they age,’ says Prof. Lulle.

Latvia is a country with a large middle-aged, soon-to-be-aging population. However, location matters; the region of Latgale is home to the oldest groups of population and has already reached 53.3 as the median age for women. Hence, it is imperative to take location into account when studying health as the world ages.

 
This initiative at the RSU Social Sciences Research Centre represents an exciting step toward understanding how the places we live, the people around us, and the technology we use can shape our health and our lives. As the study develops, the research team is looking forward to sharing new insights that could help transform how society approaches aging and well-being.