Championing healthy ageing on the BBC
Clinical exercise physiology expert Dr Hannah Campbell from the School of Biomedical Sciences has share her expertise on the BBC Morning Live programme.
Dr Campbell was asked to be part of the programme's ‘Older Achievers’ feature, which will focus on the importance of muscle strengthening for longevity, healthy ageing, and maintaining quality of life.
Hosted by Strictly Come Dancing’s Katya Jones, it is a regular feature of the BBC’s weekly morning show.
Dr Campbell was invited on the programme to share her expertise on why exercise later in life can make a significant and lasting difference to overall wellbeing.
“My research focuses on the importance of movement and muscle for wellbeing, disease prevention, and disease management, viewed through physiological, behavioural, and public health perspectives”, explained Hannah. “When I was invited to take part in the BBC filming for this segment I jumped at the chance – the evidence is is clear that movement benefits wellbeing, yet physical inactivity remains a global epidemic that worsens as we age.”
“I also want to reframe how we think about physical activity. Historically, the focus has been on aesthetics and weight loss, but research consistently shows that muscle is essential for maintaining health, wellbeing, and quality of life as we get older. Engaged movement and muscle activation unlock what is effectively a pharmaceutical cabinet within our own bodies. Yet many people, particularly later in life, are unsure how to access it. I want to help change that.”
The key message I hope anyone watching the show takes away with them, it is that movement is accessible, and you can start at any level.
“Keeping muscles active supports mobility, metabolism, and mental health. Muscle is one of the most important organs for healthy longevity.”
You don’t need a gym or the ability to run 5 km. Sometimes all you need are a few cans of beans and some simple foundational movements — and you can build from there.
Further information
Watch now on BBC iPlayer (clip starts at 1:08:50)
Top image (left to right): Vanessa Williams, Emma Lowther (BBC camera crew), Katya Jones (host) and Dr Hannah Campbell.
