To be honest, I thought I’d play for one or two months. But then, I had a really supportive coach and team that kept me going.
Alan Chu
Applied Sport Psychology Professor Studies What Motivates Athletes
Posted on June 08, 2024
Spartan Alert
The Role of Genetics in Aging: What You Can and Can’t Control
Posted on May 15, 2024
PAC Lab Article Written By Kylie Kayser
Aging is a complex process that is influenced by a variety of factors including genetics and lifestyle choices. Genes influence various parts of the aging process, including the development of certain diseases and the rate at which physical and cognitive abilities decline. Some people are more genetically predisposed to develop cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and certain cancers. Understanding the interaction of genetics, lifestyle choices, and aging can help individuals make decisions that promote healthy aging.
What You Can’t Control
- Inherited Traits: You can’t control the genes you inherit. Genetic predispositions are beyond our control. For instance, someone with a family history of Alzheimer’s disease may be genetically predisposed to developing Alzheimer’s.
- Aging Process: Genes also influence the biological aging process, which is the natural part of aging. The rate of aging is determined by your genetic makeup.
What You Can Control
Lifestyle choices significantly impact how genetic factors manifest. These choices are within our control and can be modified to promote healthy aging. Here are some lifestyle changes to implement:
- Nutrition: Consuming a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats enhances overall health. Foods high in antioxidants, like berries, nuts, and leafy green vegetables, can help combat oxidative stress.
- Mental health: Chronic stress is linked to accelerated aging and increased risk of age-related diseases. Activities like meditation, yoga, and stretching can reduce stress and support healthy aging.
- Preventive healthcare: Routine check-ups enable early detection and management of health conditions. Schedule wellness check-ups with a primary care doctor.
- Healthy habits: Avoid tobacco products as they can increase the risk of many diseases including lung cancer and heart disease. Additionally, limit alcohol intake to prevent liver disease and other health issues.
While we cannot change genetic inheritance, we can influence how genes affect the aging process through conscious lifestyle choices. Adopting healthy habits can enhance the length and quality of life.
Past News & Articles
Gardening for Mental Health: The Benefits of Cultivating a Green Thumb
Posted on May 29, 2024
PAC Lab Article Written By Kylie Kayser
With summer upon us, many people have been working in the garden. While gardening is enjoyed by many, its benefits go beyond the joy of nurturing plants. Gardening offers mental and emotional health benefits, making it a valuable activity. Let’s explore some mental benefits of gardening and then we’ll share a few practical tips for older adults looking to explore this activity.
Mental Benefits of Gardening
- Cognitive Stimulation: Gardening engages the mind by requiring knowledge about different plants and their care. This continuous learning provides cognitive stimulation.
- Stress Reduction: Spending time in nature and gardening has been shown to lower stress levels. The meditative aspects of gardening can lead to feelings of calmness and relaxation.
- Enhanced Mood and Mental Health: The combination of moving the body, exposure to sunlight, and the satisfaction of nurturing plants can significantly improve mood. Gardening provides a sense of purpose and accomplishment, contributing to overall happiness and mental well-being.
Practical Tips for Senior Gardeners
- Start Small: Begin with a manageable garden size to avoid feeling overwhelmed. Container gardening or raised beds can be excellent options.
- Use Ergonomic Tools: Invest in gardening tools designed for older adults, which are easier to grip and require less strain.
- Stay Safe: Protect yourself from the sun with hats, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing. Ensure paths are clear and stable to prevent falls.
- Pace Yourself: Take breaks and avoid prolonged periods of intense activity. Listen to your body and don’t overexert yourself.
- Stay Hydrated: Always have water on hand to stay hydrated, especially on hot days.
Gardening is a fun and engaging way to promote healthy aging and offers numerous benefits. Participating in gardening can stimulate the mind and enhance emotional well-being, leading to a more fulfilling and joyful life.
Past News & Articles
UNCG Alumna Creates Legacy Through Scholarships
Posted on May 28, 2024
I grew up with a very strong curiosity factor. Woman’s College gave me the life skills, education, motivation, and confidence to pursue that curiosity at many levels.
Mary “Bobbi” Miller Carson, class of ’58
Kinesiology Professor Say Vision Boards Help Athletes, Too
Posted on April 30, 2024
Instead of thinking about yourself being able to run a marathon, it’s seeing and imagining yourself as a runner. When we have that sense of identity, we are more likely to believe we can achieve our goals, rather than doubting ourselves—a vision board is powerful in that sense.
Dr. Alan Chu, Kinesiology Professor
Benefits of Stretching as You Age
Posted on April 29, 2024
PAC Lab Article Written By Kylie Kayser
Stretching isn’t reserved for gymnasts and dancers. Stretching offers a heap of advantages for individuals of all ages, particularly contributing to healthy aging and overall physical well-being. Here are some key advantages:
- Enhanced Flexibility and Range of Motion: Aging often brings about muscle stiffness, leading to diminished flexibility and range of motion. Regular stretching routines help preserve and augment flexibility, allowing for a broader range of motion.
- Reduced Risk of Injury: Increased flexibility and expanded range of motion diminish the likelihood of injury. Flexible muscles are inherently more resilient, minimizing the risk of strains and sprains.
- Improved Posture and Balance: Stretching prevents muscles from tightening, facilitating proper posture. Maintaining good posture is needed for balance and stability, crucial aspects of healthy aging.
- Enhanced Balance and Stability: Some stretching exercises target balance and stability, which encourages coordination and may reduce the incidence of falls. By improving body awareness, stretching contributes to greater confidence in movement.
- Alleviation of Discomfort: Stretching alleviates stiffness and muscle tightness, offering relief from chronic discomfort associated with aging. Gentle stretches may provide relief from muscular tension and discomfort.
- Enhanced Physical Performance: Regular stretching primes muscles for activity, leading to improvements in physical performance. Additionally, stretching enhances circulation, supporting muscle function and overall physical capabilities.
- Stress Reduction: Stretching induces feelings of relaxation and releases muscle tension, leading to stress alleviation. Stretching offers a simple yet effective method for reducing stress levels and promoting mental well-being.
Stretching is a straightforward and accessible approach to supporting healthy aging by enhancing flexibility, mobility, posture, and overall physical and mental well-being. Incorporating stretching into daily routines can significantly enhance quality of life as individuals age, fostering greater vitality and resilience.
Past News & Articles
Dr. Goldfarb Shares How to Treat Sore Muscles
Posted on April 18, 2024
Kinesiology Professor Dr. Allan Goldfarb suggests you ice the sore area right after the exercise to cut inflammation. Use heat later to increase blood flow to an area. Heat can also help relieve joint pain.
Students excel in UNCG’s pre-med programs
Posted on April 15, 2024
this wall is packed with invaluable resources, including year-to-year course advising, summer internship opportunities, and extensive information on what medical schools seek in prospective students.
Daniel Araya, biology major
SPORT & EXERCISE PSYCH STUDENT 1 OF 4 NATIONAL WINNERS
Posted on April 11, 2024
Kinesiology Sport and Exercise doctoral student Yeongjun “Y.J.” Seo was selected as one of four students for the national Outstanding Student Paper Award by the North American Society for the Psychology of Sport & Physical Activity.
The award is extremely competitive. Seo will receive a $200 honorarium and will be recognized at the annual NASPSPA conference.
Seo wrote his paper on, “Exploring Athletic and Exercise Identities in the South Korean Context: A Confirmatory Factor Analysis Approach.”
Kinesiology Professor Receives Research Award from UNCG
Posted on April 08, 2024
Dr. Jaclyn Maher received the 2024 Early Career Research Excellence Award from UNCG. Her research focuses on hard-to-access populations, including older adults. She received a R15 award from the NIH Institute on Aging for $423,565.