Te Papa Hauora together with the Canterbury Medical Research Foundation bring you ‘Living well & ageing well’, a series of free community research talks.

Our second event of this series is focused on movement, nutrition and the importance of connecting with your community. 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.

Meet our speakers:

Prioritising movement as a protective factor: How the little things can make a big difference.

**Dr Susannah Stevens, Senior Lecturer - University of Canterbury**

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 move during the day to help build or rebuild physical confidence, and how being active is a protective factor for your body. Susannah is 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.

How to eat smart as we age

**Leigh O'Brien - NZ Registered Dietitian & PhD researcher, University of Otago, Christchurch**

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.

The importance of social connectedness

**Professor Joe Boden - Department of Psychological Medicine, University of Otago Christchurch**

Research shows us that exposure to adversity in early life has long reaching consequences for our health and wellbeing. The effects however, can be overcome. Joe will share research from the Christchurch Health and Development Study that shows social support, developing social networks, and having friends can mitigate the effects of early adversity over the life course, and has the potential to reduce the risk of mental health disorders.

Contact the host of Living well & ageing well Research Talks

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