Summary of "Dr Dean Kriellaars - Physical Literacy Enriched Communities: Places, People and Programs"
Summary of Key Wellness Strategies, Self-Care Techniques, and Productivity Tips from Dr. Dean Kriellaars' Talk on Physical Literacy Enriched Communities
Core Concepts and Insights:
- Physical Literacy as a Lifespan Issue: Physical Literacy applies from birth to old age and is crucial for optimal physical, social, and mental development throughout life.
- Historical Context of Physical Literacy:
- The term "Physical Literacy" dates back over 100 years (first defined in 1885).
- Societal shifts due to mechanization, electronics, and the internet have gradually reduced physical activity, creating a "spectator era" with more observers than participants.
- Life expectancy has increased mainly due to healthcare advances, not increased physical fitness or health.
- Despite widespread knowledge about the benefits of physical activity, global inactivity remains a major health issue linked to 26 non-communicable diseases and numerous injuries related to poor motor competence.
- Physical Literacy vs Physical Activity:
- Physical Literacy is not just about exercise or physical activity but involves the ability, confidence, motivation, and social engagement to move well in diverse contexts.
- Physical Literacy is a process and an engine for social change, promoting inclusion, health equity, social equity, and human capital.
- Physical Literacy leads to active participation in society beyond just health outcomes (work, recreation, arts, daily living).
- The Physical Literacy Engine Model:
- Movement competence → Confidence → Motivation → Active participation
- Positive feedback loops enhance resilience and social connectedness.
- Failure and challenges are part of the learning process, promoting resilience and inclusivity.
- Risk and Play in Physical Literacy:
- Risky play is essential for Physical Literacy, providing joy, learning, and brain development.
- Society tends to overemphasize safety (surplus safety), limiting children's free-range behavior and exploration, which harms Physical Literacy development.
- Advocates for adequate safety rather than excessive safety to allow positive risk-taking.
- Examples of risky play include climbing, rough-and-tumble play, high-speed movement, and "getting lost" in safe contexts.
- Design Principles for Physical Literacy Enriched Communities:
- Design environments and programs that cater to all levels of ability and interests (not just narrow activities like bike paths).
- Create mobility-enriched environments rather than just "active transport" to be more inclusive.
- Avoid fear-based messaging (e.g., "falls prevention") and instead focus on mobility enhancement and competence building (e.g., walking on ice, curling for older adults).
- Provide a variety of challenges (Optimal Challenge Theory) that are neither too easy nor too hard to keep participants engaged.
- Integrate multiple movement options in shared spaces to encourage cross-participation and social interaction (avoid isolated activity zones).
- Example: Winnipeg’s winter design combining diverse activities led to a tenfold increase in participation even in extreme cold.
- Social and Psychological Dimensions:
- Physical Literacy includes psychological, physical, and social components, making it a holistic approach to wellness and community design.
- Movement shapes identity and social inclusion.
- Encouraging play and movement stories between adults and children strengthens social bonds and supports Physical Literacy development.
Key Wellness and Productivity Tips:
- Encourage regular engagement in varied physical activities that build competence and confidence.
- Promote risky play within safe limits to foster joy, resilience, and brain development.
- Design environments and programs that are inclusive of all abilities and interests, providing optimal challenges.
- Shift cultural values from passive spectating to active participation in movement and play.
- Balance safety concerns with the need for exploration and risk-taking to avoid negative long-term health and social consequences.
- Use Physical Literacy as a framework to improve social equity, health equity, and human capital in communities.
- Foster motivation through enjoyable and socially connected movement experiences.
- Recognize that Physical Literacy development is a lifelong process, not just a childhood goal.
Presenters / Sources:
- Dr. Dean Kriellaars – Scientist and advocate for Physical Literacy and enriched community design.
- References to Margaret Whitehead – Philosopher and key figure in Physical Literacy literature.
- Mention of Richard (last name not given) – Speaker who commented on the insidious cultural shifts impacting physical activity.
- Collaboration with Dean Dudley and John Dean on Physical Literacy as a process.
This summary captures the main wellness strategies, self-care concepts, and productivity insights related to Physical Literacy and community design as presented by Dr. Dean Kriellaars.
Category
Wellness and Self-Improvement
