Stuart Phillips, Professor in the Department of Kinesiology and a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Skeletal Muscle Health at McMaster University, is working to help the elderly population to combat the effects of aging through physical activity and a healthy intake of protein.
When Phillips was growing up he had a passion for sports, specifically playing rugby and ice hockey. He also had a passion for science in the fields of biochemistry and nutrition, and he says his love of physical activity, nutrition and science led to him pursuing a master’s of science in nutritional biochemistry. He then went on to achieve a P.H.D. in human physiology with an emphasis on exercise physiology and has been working at the university for 26 years.
Phillips runs the Physical Activity Center of Excellence (PACE) at McMaster University where there are currently 500 community members who regularly go to the center. One of the biggest groups of people who come to the center are senior citizens with the average age being around 73-years-old. Phillips and the volunteers who work at the center also help with cardiac rehab patients and people who have spinal cord injuries. Phillips says the center offers a customized and unique experience for the people who come.
One of the biggest challenges that Phillips has faced in his career to help people live healthier as they age is the resistance that many people have to making the time to start exercising and taking on healthier habits and lifestyle choices. Phillips’ most recent research has been focused around healthy aging and how physical activity can help to slow the loss of muscle. He says very few people realize the benefit of being just a little bit stronger as they grow older. According to Phillips, one of the most important things to do when getting older is to engage in some form of resistance exercise or strength training.
The other component that Phillips has found to be vital with old age is the amount of protein needed to maintain a healthy muscle mass as well as the ability to function and keep up with daily activities. In addition to maintaining a healthy exercise and intake of protein, Phillips says having an active social life is an integral part to maintaining good health at an old age.
“A lot of the senior citizens that come to the PACE center interact and socialize with each other, and we have seen how it helps them keep up with their daily exercises and contribute to their mental well being,” says Phillips.
Media Contact
Name: Staurt Phillips
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