Flowers in the Ashes explores how Jasper seniors are finding joy, connection and healing after the wildfire
In the aftermath of a wildfire, recovery can become a full-time job.
There are insurance forms to fill out, homes to rebuild, belongings to replace and difficult decisions to make. For older residents, the stress of navigating that unfamiliar territory can be compounded by isolation, disrupted routines and a reluctance to ask for help.
But recovery isn’t only about getting back what was lost. It’s also about finding a way to start living again.
That’s the focus of Flowers in the Ashes: Embracing Joy While Navigating Disaster Recoveries, a three-part podcast produced by University of Alberta researchers who spent the past year talking with senior survivors of the 2024 Jasper wildfire.
The 30-minute episodes feature insights from interviews with Jasper seniors and people who supported them, exploring how everyday activities — from reading and crafts to outdoor recreation and social gatherings — can help people cope with the long aftermath of a disaster.
The podcast is hosted by Dr. Shintaro Kono, an associate professor in the U of A’s Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation, and Jasper resident and research assistant Kole Lundstrom.
Kono said older adults can face particular challenges following a disaster. Some may be unfamiliar with the technology and bureaucratic processes involved in accessing aid or navigating insurance claims. Others may be hesitant to seek traditional mental-health support.
“There are people who are afraid of how they are seen by others,” Kono said. “Many older adults take pride in having an independent life without relying on support from others.”
The podcast looks at something that can be easy to overlook during recovery: leisure.
The first episode examines how shared activities can rebuild social connections after a disaster. The second explores the feeling of being “stuck” during a lengthy recovery and how hobbies can provide an escape. The final episode considers the longer-term role of leisure in finding new meaning and experiencing personal growth after trauma.
The Jasper research is part of a broader international project examining disaster recovery among older adults in Canada, Japan, Taiwan and South Africa.
For Kono, the lessons extend beyond seniors and beyond Jasper.
“Right after someone goes through a major disaster, leisure is inconceivable,” he said. “But we cannot stay in survival mode … for too long. At some point, we must start living again, and that’s where leisure comes in.”
Flowers in the Ashes is available online through the University of Alberta.
Bob Covey // bob@thejasperlocal.com
