Date/Time
Date(s) - Mon Jan 05 2026
2:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Notes:
Dr Nichol will discuss the science behind super-aging. Super-Aging is a term used to describe seniors who function mentally and/or physically as well as counterparts who are many years of even decades younger. Dr. Nichol will explore normal aging including programmed cell death (apoptosis) and the mopping up of dead cell debris (senolysis) as cells are replaced by healthy cells. With aging, the efficiency of apoptosis and particularly senolysis decline leading to zombie (not quite dead) cells, inflammation, fibrosis, abnormal protein accumulation and less responsive immune system with gradual organ failure.
Recent research into longevity has found that some anti-diabetic, weight loss and cancer drugs may also have anti-aging properties. However, it turns out that most super-agers have lived and continue to live lives where many of the features of a healthy lifestyle (exercise, good nutrition, restorative sleep, stress reduction, socializing and avoidance of toxins) are present. But over and above these measures super-agers as a group seem to have a psychological attitude toward life whereby they seem to rise to challenges, try new things, continue long-term activities, and reluctantly give up anything. For physical and mental activities they apply the old dictum “Use it or lose it.” Where does one go to find Super-Agers? To the Canmore Seniors’ Centre. The intellectual and exercise opportunities along with the camaraderie have most of the needed healthy lifestyle measures covered. Everyone is welcome.
About Dr. Peter Nichol B.A. M.D. FRCPC FCCS:
Peter Nichol has had a 54 years long medical career serving as a professor of Medicine and Kinesiology at the University of Western Ontario. Also, he directed the UWO Research Centre for Activity and Aging. In Tanzania he has co-ordinated numerous aid projects. Mid-career he came to Canmore and ran the Cardiology Service for 26 years, retiring in 2020.
Active living has been a life-long commitment both professionally and personally. He continues to do multiple sports as well as teaching juggling. Daily crossword puzzles, Jeopardy, and studying French are his regular mental exercises. For fun he is a juggling clown.