Megan Ames

Adolescence (ages 12-18) and young adulthood (ages 19-29) are critical stages of life when the foundations for lifelong health and healthy lifestyles are established. Poor physical health and health habits in these life periods contribute to later risks for disease and associated costs. Yet, we do not have Canadian data that connect health across adolescence and young adulthood to long-term health outcomes in early mid-life (ages 35-45). My research builds on an existing and robust community-based sample, the Victoria Health Youth Survey (V-HYS) which began in 2003 (N = 662; ages 12-18). Our research team will partner with collaborators to develop a plan to collect follow-up data from these now adults including evidence-based measures of physical health, mental health, substance use, healthy relationships, and social determinants of health. Our partnerships will ensure findings from the project will provide information about what matters for health long-term for Canadians as well as identify new targets for promoting lifelong health. The results will also inform policy responses that can support midlife health, mental health, education, labour, and social supports.

For an up-to-date list of publications by Dr. Ames, please see ResearchGate.