Living well & ageing well research talks
Limited spaces available, registrations essential.
Our third event of this series is focused on movement, nutrition and the importance of sleep and how these all impact on your well-being. Come and join us to learn more about what you can do to maintain wellness and stay healthy from some of Canterbury's leading researchers.
Researchers and their talks
Dr Susannah Stevens
Senior Lecturer, University of Canterbury
Prioritising movement as a protective factor: How the little things can make a difference
As well as energising us, movement has the power to protect our bodies against cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, certain cancers, depression and insomnia. Susannah will talk about the importance of taking opportunities to perform small movements during the day to help build or rebuild physical confidence, and how being active is a protective factor for your body. Susannah’s interested in research on learning, physical education, the joy of movement and well-being. She currently works with schools, national bodies, government groups and international organisations; sharing expertise in the areas of physical activity, well-being and movement pleasure.
Leigh O'Brien
NZ Registered Dietitian & PhD researcher, University of Otago, Christchurch
How to eat smart as we age
Learn what foods we need more of (or less of) as we age to help with energy levels, the immune system and cognitive function so that we can keep going with all the grand adventures that life has to offer. Leigh is a NZ registered dietitian, currently undertaking her PhD, investigating chronic diarrhoea in older adults. Her work interests include clients with functional gut disorders and helping with older adults to achieve optimal health through nutrition.
Professor Richard Porter
Consultant Psychiatrist, Te Whatu Ora & Director of Mental Health Clinic Research Unit, University of Otago, Christchurch
Managing sleep and circadian rhythms as we age
Sleep disturbance has a profound effect on people's lives and increases the risk of mental health difficulties. Many people know about techniques to improve sleep and have Apps to help with this. However, sleep depends on what we do throughout the day and is part of our 24-hour circadian rhythm. The presentation will explore this and discuss some practical strategies to improve sleep.
Richard is a psychiatrist working in clinical practice with people with mood disorders and with intellectual disabilities. He is particularly interested in treatments related to improving circadian rhythm and cognitive function.
To register for this event: Living well and ageing well