Dr. Paula Van Wyk

Biography

Dr. Paula van Wyk is an Assistant Professor in the field of Kinesiology at the University of Windsor. She holds a Bachelor of Health Sciences (Honours) and a Master of Human Kinetics from Western University, and her Ph.D. is also from Western University. With a background that includes postdoctoral work at the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, her research focuses on the aging population and the factors that influence their ability to live independently. Committed to improving quality of life for older adults, Dr. van Wyk investigates person-environment fit, cognitive reserve, caregiver burden, and fall prevention. She emphasizes the development of interventions that promote physical abilities in this population, as well as strategies to educate healthcare workers on injury prevention when dealing with patients. In addition to her work with older adults, her interests extend to individuals with cerebral palsy, Parkinson’s disease, and autism spectrum disorder. Throughout her career, she has also explored the role of physical literacy and health literacy in motivating older adults to remain active and engaged in their healthcare. Dr. van Wyk has extensively published in various journals, contributing to the academic dialogue surrounding aging, rehabilitation, and community-based interventions.

Research Interests