Thursday, Apr 07, 2022
1:30pm - 3:30pm
Lecture by:
Richard Hughson
Join Richard Hughson, PhD, from the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) to learn how space travel mimics the aging process and what we can learn about cardiovascular health and healthy aging from astronauts. Hughson and his team are studying astronauts aboard the International Space Station, using equipment in space that is operated from the RIA building. What they’re learning about “aging in space” can be used to develop strategies to improve health for older adults here on earth.
Richard Hughson, PhD, is the Schlegel Research Chair in Vascular Aging and Brain Health at the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging, and a Fellow of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. His research focuses on cardiovascular adaptations to exercise stress and how increased arterial stiffness affects brain blood flow and why older persons experience dizziness and increased risk of falling. His studies of astronauts revealed development of insulin resistance and stiffer arteries during 6-month spaceflights. Continuing research is exploring underlying mechanisms for the accelerated “aging-like” changes in astronauts using tools such as ultrasound investigations and oral glucose tolerance testing in space.
Third Age Learning Kitchener Waterloo
