Speakers
Dr. Chris Patterson
Chief of Geriatric Services Hamilton Health Sciences and Professor, Division of Geriatric Medicine, McMaster UniversityStart
February 20, 2014 - 12:00 am
End
Throughout history, aging has been seen as a steady downhill slide into senescence and death (e.g. Shakespeare’s “Last scene of all, sans eyes, sans teeth, sans everything”). Within the last 50 years, research has taught us that many “aging” changes which we previously regarded as inevitable, are in fact avoidable. For example the muscle weakness which we associate with aging, is mostly due to inactivity, and is largely preventable or delayed in people who exercise regularly. Cognitive training may offset the changes in memory which most of us experience in later life. Thinning of bones can be lessened by appropriate diet, exercise and medications. Some examples of this new information will be presented, and advice offered to those who wish to preserve and indeed improve their physical and mental health. Hint: don’t cancel your subscription to the gym!