CUPC Research Presentation: Douglas Seals

The changing age demographics of the U.S. provide opportunities for personal/family experiences and societal contributions for unprecedented numbers of late middle-aged and older adults. To fully capture these opportunities, however, it will be necessary to extend the healthspan (healthy life expectancy) of this rapidly growing cohort. This discussion will emphasize the important role of physiological function in determining population healthspan. We also will note other demographic factors that modulate physiological function throughout the lifespan, and discuss major research gaps in our current understanding of how population characteristics and behaviors influence function as we age. In doing so, we hope to reveal compelling collaborative research opportunities for physiologists and social and behavioral scientists.

Douglas Seals is a Professor of Integrative Physiology and Medicine at the University of Colorado. For 33 years, he has conducted research related to healthy aging, and much of his recent work has focused on prevention of adverse vascular aging and age-related cardiovascular diseases. Doug’s research is supported by grants from the U.S. National Institutes of Health, and for decades his laboratory has provided training in aging research to students and post-graduate scientists.