In citizen science, citizens and researchers join forces to make a societal positive impact. Part of the University of Twente’s mission is to strengthen society by providing sustainable solutions to current problems. Last year, the Citizen Science Hub Twente made a call for citizens and researchers to submit their research ideas for the start of a new programme “Civic and Citizen Science”. This programme aims to strengthen citizen participation in scientific research. Five projects were selected and received a grant to work on the project for the next two years. Citizen Science Hub Twente sat down with the researchers and citizens of each project to give an update on how it is proceeding.
Meet Marjolein and Sandra. We had the pleasure of hearing their story on vitality.
Marjolein is a pharmacist and proud citizen of Boekelo. Sandra is a lecturer on Positive Health, Lifestyle and Leadership at Saxion and MST Hospitals. They have both been working on Positive Health and prevention for quite some time, but were eager to do more.
They decided to work together after they met at a session on Positive Health.
Their goals are to involve the citizens of Boekelo, Usselo and Twekkelo in activities that make them more vital. After submitting their work, they were introduced to Anne Dijkstra. She is an assistant professor in Communication Science at the UT. Her research is often focused on participation, so this was the perfect match. With her background in various Citizen Science projects and research, this project could commence. Together, they let the project Vital Boekelo, Usselo & Twekkelo come to life.
There are increasing health problems in the world. A healthy way of living can prevent or reduce many of these health problems. However, changing your lifestyle is very difficult. It starts with gaining insight into your lifestyle. Having the right information and access to this is the first step. But what if you live somewhere with less access? Villages don’t offer the same facilities as a big city. This takes us to the villages Boekelo, Usselo and Twekkelo.
“There are many people in Boekelo who have quite a bit of knowledge and expertise in that area. And how would it be to actually expand on that and do something with it, and to see if that meets some of our needs, or if there is more at play." says Sandra.
This project is aimed at involving the residents of the 3 villages in activities that make them more vital. In order to find out what activities the citizens would be most interested in doing, a questionnaire about lifestyle was developed and distributed. The questionnaire was based on 6 different topics. The results were analysed by Anne. The results were then translated into a report on what the citizens of these villages would like to participate in, what they would like to change about their lifestyle, and their motivation for doing so.
These 6 topics are based off the 6 pillars of the Lifestyle Compass. These are nutrition, meaning, substances, sleep, exercise, and relaxation. In the coming months, Marjolein and Sandra will be organising a few gatherings that focus on these 6 topics.
The first evening will take place on 24 June. The title is ‘Twents happiness’ and will be hosted by Ank Bijleveld, chair of the Board of Twente. This evening will cover topics from the Lifestyle Compass such as sleep, meaning, and relaxation.
But why Boekelo, Usselo & Twekkelo?
These villages are pretty vital in themselves, but Marjolein and Sandra shared the importance of keeping that up.
“Imagine this. A child does very well in school, and another doesn’t do well. Is it right to only focus on the child who is struggling more? No. Because both children need to learn and grow. The same goes for these villages. Just because these villages are pretty vital, that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t try to keep it that way. And it doesn’t mean that there is no need." Marjolein explains. "We’re in contact with the municipality of Enschede, and they mentioned that they don’t think of a place like Boekelo so quickly, because there are bigger problems in other districts.”
Why is this so important?
“People want to have meaning in life. They want to do something. We spoke to an elderly woman in a retirement home who said “It would be son nice if every now and then I could talk with a few people about what’s happening in the world. It doesn’t have to be anything big, but just so I can be part of the world again” and that really touched us. Some people are just looking for a connection. If we can bring these connections together and achieve something mutually, then I think we can talk about a success.” says Marjolein.
What do you want the readers to know?
"That health/vitality is more than just exercise and nutrition. That participation, the social aspect, and being meaningful are all part of health/vitality. And that you can take control of it yourself. Especially focusing on what you find important, you can work on it yourself. You are responsible for your own health." Sandra explains. "Who knows, maybe two people have the same needs, and then you can connect them. Like people who just want to talk about the world or people who want to walk together. You hope it becomes like an oil stain. That people really understand that it's more than just exercise and nutrition."
Do you live in Boekelo, Usselo or Twekkelo and are you interested in proving your vitality? Then reach out to Marjolein and Sandra at leefstijl@stichtingmfa.nl. and join one of the meetings this year!
In the picture (from left to right): Sandra van Hogen-Koster and Marjolein Kroese
