EXSC 3600 - Physiology of Aging

Goals: To understand the physiological processes and aspects of aging at the whole-body, systems and cellular levels, and how lifestyle factors can affect the aging process.

Content: This asynchronous online course will explore the physical aspects, dimensions, and implications of human aging, with a focus on people aged 60+. Topics covered will include, but are not limited to, the following: what is aging, and when does it begin; conditions associated with aging; aging demographics; aging as a major public health issue; increasing lifespan vs healthspan; key changes that occur in the major body systems (such as the musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and endocrine systems) that occur with aging and how physical activity and exercise can impact those changes; lifestyle factors associated with healthy or unhealthy aging; balance and fall risk, and strategies to mitigate this risk; how motor control is affected by aging; methods of measuring physical function in aging; the role of physical activity and exercise in preventing or mitigating age-associated physical changes, including frailty; frailty as a clinical condition; the importance of nutrition with aging; physical performance and aging; and interventions that aim to improve physical function in the elderly. The course places high emphasis on not only learning the fundamental concepts, but on understanding and applying them. Additional topics will be covered as needed.

Taught: Fall term (online, asynchronous)

Prerequisite: BIOL 1120 or BIOL 3210 or BIOL 3220, grade of C- or higher

Credits: 4