Prof Degens has shown that even if you only take up exercise later in life, you can add 15 quality-of-life years, meaning you’re better able to climb the stairs, go to the shops or meet friends.
He explains: “This will help us extend our quality of life and continue to undertake everyday activities for many years.
“As long as you aren’t so far down the line that you are no longer mobile, there are measures everyone can take to improve health factors, maintain independence and extend quality of life.”
Prof Degens’ research into muscles is just one piece of the ageing jigsaw.
Researching human movement
Just this year Manchester Met’s Institute of Sport announced its new ACTIVE lab which will support new equipment and a biomedical imaging laboratory that will enhance the University’s ongoing research into human movement, particularly how it is affected in people with dementia, diabetes, and Parkinson’s disease.
Professor Nick Brook, Pro-Vice-Chancellor for Research at Manchester Met, said: “We have an increasingly ageing population and with that comes many obstacles, but we are focused on overcoming these so people can continue to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.
“ACTIVE will be working closely with the NHS, local and national government, and policymakers to ensure that the research that takes place there can have a meaningful and direct impact on people’s lives.”
Insight driving impact
But some of the insight gleaned from previous studies is already having an impact outside of the University’s walls.
Professor Neil Reeves has been researching the impact of diabetes: interventions to stop it progressing and the disease’s impact on mobility.
His research has been published by Health Innovation Manchester, to help identify populations at risk of Type 2 diabetes and what changes can be put in motion to stop it.
Dr Tracey Vell MBE, Clinical Director at Health Innovation Manchester, praised the effect this work will have in developing new ways to prevent and care for people with Type 2 diabetes in Greater Manchester.