Dr. Gareth Jones
Image Credit: SUBMITTED
February 21, 2017 - 3:39 PM
An apple a day may keep the doctor away, but a local researcher says the best medicine for good health is making exercise a daily habit.
Regardless of disease and disability, Dr. Gareth Jones says a daily dose of exercise at any age has a remarkable benefit on cognitive and physical abilities and overall health.
According to Jones, a professor in the School of Health and Exercise Sciences, Faculty of Health and Social Development at UBC Okanagan, these benefits may be especially important for our senior populations.
As part of Okanagan College’s Science in Society Speaker Series, Jones will reveal the latest research from his lab on Parkinson’s disease, frailty and exercise to enhance and preserve physical function. His public talk, entitled “Is Exercise the Medicine for Successful Aging?” takes place on Thursday, March 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the College’s Vernon campus lecture theatre.
Since 2008, under Jones’ guidance, the Healthy Exercise and Aging Laboratory (HEAL) group at UBC Okanagan has advanced the fields of exercise, prehabilitative and rehabilitative sciences toward understanding the subtle differences observed between men and women as they transition through the aging process.
“Much of the age- and sex-associated differences observed between older adults can be associated with the aging and disuse of muscle and other mechanical tissues,” says Jones. “Therefore, exercise that strengthens muscle will restore and maintain physical function, regardless of age or sex.”
Jones has received national and international recognition as a leader in the field of exercise and aging, with a specific interest in understanding the impact of frailty on physical function. He has been published in more than 50 scientific journals, presented at 60 conferences around the world and has received national awards for his work in exercise physiology.
Admission to the lecture is $7 in advance or $10 at the door. For advanced tickets call the Okanagan Science Centre at 250-545-3644. To subscribe or obtain more information visit okanagansisss.wordpress.com.
Presented jointly by Okanagan College and the Okanagan Science Centre, the Science in Society Speaker Series is sponsored by the Vernon Lodge and Conference Centre, Starbucks Coffee, Save on Foods, and the Vernon Morning Star.
News from © iNFOnews, 2017