Researchers Put Best Foot Forward At Active Ageing Conference
Could low frequency high intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions and recreational dancing really help older individuals maintain optimum health in later life? That along with other pioneering and perhaps less conventional research will be discussed at the second annual Active Ageing symposium on Friday 23 June at the University of Cumbria’s Lancaster campus.
Research by Dr Nick Sculthorpe (University of the West of Scotland) into HIIT suggests that performing repeated bouts of high-intensity exercise, with recovery periods in between, and its time-efficiency along with some evidence that it improves general fitness levels, makes it an attractive exercise option for older individuals. In addition, Professor Marco Narici of Nottingham University will give us an insight on the neuromuscular benefits of dancing for older adults – previous research from the Group has shown that dancing, is not only a favourite social, group-based activity but it also has a multitude of health benefits, such as increased functional ability and balance.
These two pieces of research will be presented in the morning session along with a third by Associate Professor Joanne Hudson, of Swansea University, on personal narratives being both barriers and opportunities for change.
In the afternoon, Stephen Edgar, panel public member for the Department of Health Policy Research and member of the North West Research Ethics committee will discuss how to involve the public in research then there will be break-out sessions for delegates to discuss with participants in the group’s studies what has been done, what can be done better and how to engage older adults in research.
This year’s symposium builds on previous discussions which focused on developing a network of researchers in ageing research. This year, the conference will concentrate on applying research practically and how best to reach people it could really benefit.
“The core aim of the Active Ageing Research Group is to conduct rigorous scientific research which has a direct impact and application in the real world”, Theo Bampouras, Associate Professor in Sport and Exercise Biomechanics said. He continued, “In order for us to do this, we need to reach people who experience age-related issues so we know what problems are really important to them and so we may target our research to meet their needs”.
The one-day symposium in collaboration with the University of Rome Foro Italico and is aimed at anyone in the field of ageing research.
Tickets for the event are £25 and delegates can register for the symposium online.
For more information contact www.cumbria.ac.uk/activeageing and follow on Twitter @activeageinguoc.
