On the horizon of aging and physical activity research

This viewpoint is the result of a Horizon Round Table discussion of Exercise and Aging held during the 2017 Saltin International Graduate School in Exercise and Clinical Physiology in Gatineau, Quebec. This expert panel discussed key issues and approaches to future research into aging, across human physiological systems, current societal concerns, and funding approaches. Over the 60-min round table discussion, 3 major themes emerged that the panel considered to be “On the Horizon” of aging research. These themes include (i) aging is a process that extends from womb to tomb; (ii) the importance of longitudinal experimental studies; and (iii) the ongoing need to investigate multiple systems using an integrative approach between scientists, clinicians, and knowledge brokers. With a focus on these themes, we aim to identify critical questions, challenges, and opportunities that face scientists in advancing the understanding of exercise and aging.

UNDERGRADUATE EXERCISE AND AGING STUDENTS KNOWLEDGE AND PERCEPTIONS REGARDING OLDER ADULTS

The aging population presents far ranging implications and opportunities for individuals, families, policy makers, and healthcare providers. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates an increase in the population aged 65+, which is projected to reach 83.7 million by 2050. With this changing demographic environment, human services and health care professionals with specialized training in aging are needed, regardless of career goals all students deserve exposure to aging education. Undergraduate students have varying knowledge and attitudes towards older adults. Many times undergraduate students have had limited interactions with older adults and their attitudes and perceptions are based on interactions with grandparents and other relatives. In order to better understand undergraduate student’s knowledge and attitudes regarding older adults we surveyed a group of 50 undergraduate students enrolled in an exercise and aging course offered through the Department of Kinesiology and Health. Students were surveyed using the Facts on Aging Quiz (Breytspraak & Bandura, 2015) and the Aging Semantic Differential (ASD) (Rosencranz & McNevin, 1969). Preliminary findings suggest that students have relatively low knowledge about older adults, as the average score of the Facts on Aging Quiz was 30.4 out of 50 (SD= 3.86). However, scores on the ASD indicate that the student have generally more positive attitudes towards older adults (M=74.29; SD=20.9). At the end of the semester the same students will be surveyed again to evaluate the impact of the course. Findings from this study will be used to augment course content to increase student knowledge and attitudes about older adults.

Maintenance of Skeletal Muscle Mitochondria in Health, Exercise, and Aging

Mitochondria are critical organelles responsible for regulating the metabolic status of skeletal muscle. These organelles exhibit remarkable plasticity by adapting their volume, structure, and function in response to chronic exercise, disuse, aging, and disease. A single bout of exercise initiates signaling to provoke increases in mitochondrial biogenesis, balanced by the onset of organelle turnover carried out by the mitophagy pathway. This accelerated turnover ensures the presence of a high functioning network of mitochondria designed for optimal ATP supply, with the consequence of favoring lipid metabolism, maintaining muscle mass, and reducing apoptotic susceptibility over the longer term. Conversely, aging and disuse are associated with reductions in muscle mass that are in part attributable to dysregulation of the mitochondrial network and impaired mitochondrial function. Therefore, exercise represents a viable, nonpharmaceutical therapy with the potential to reverse and enhance the impaired mitochondrial function observed with aging and chronic muscle disuse.