RSU Will Host COST Action Conference: Network on Evidence-Based Physical Activity in Old Age

On 25-27 April, Rīga Stradiņš University (RSU) will host the COST Action conference Network on Evidence-Based Physical Activity in Old Age (PhysAgeNet, CA20104).

A sedentary lifestyle in old age is associated with an increased risk of chronic and disabling diseases, premature mortality, and is in turn a substantial economic burden for society. Optimal physical activity can offset the negative effects of ageing and reduce the adverse effects of a sedentary lifestyle. However, not all exercise regimens are universally effective, and inter-individual differences in responses to physical activity exist. Tailored exercise programmes to meet the specific needs of a diverse population of different ages are therefore important. The use of an evidence-based medicine approach is essential in designing such tailored programmes, which could identify and address conceptual challenges and pitfalls in basic research and clinical research on ageing and physical activity.

The main objective of PhysAgeNet is to establish a sustainable, interdisciplinary, and collaborative network of researchers. This network can then promote evidence-based research and physical activity practices in the older population and facilitate the integration of innovative information and communications technology (ICT) solutions based on research-consolidated information to promote health and reduce the burden of sedentary lifestyles in the ageing population.

The PhysAgeNet conference will feature working group reports on the progress of the planned activities, as well as working group meetings and a steering committee meeting. The event will be held in a hybrid format, both in person and remotely.

In this COST Action, Latvia is represented by Signe Tomsone, Associate Professor at the RSU Department of Rehabilitation, and Kristīne Šneidere, Acting Assistant Professor at the RSU Department of Health Psychology and Paedagogy.

PhysAgeNet is implemented from 2021 to 2024. For further information on the COST Action Network on Evidence-Based Physical Activity in Old Age (PhysAgeNet, CA20104), visit www.cost.eu/actions/CA20104/ and physagenet.eu/.

The hybrid format of the conference allows a wider range of participants, including RSU staff and students interested in the role of physical activity in health promotion, to follow part of the conference programme online - plenary sessions and working group reports on progress and current research findings.