The Musculoskeletal System: The Science of Staying Active into Old Age

This free online course has been developed by The Medical Research Council Versus Arthritis Centre for Integrated Research into Musculoskeletal Ageing, a collaboration between the Universities of Liverpool, Sheffield and Newcastle. On this course, you’ll learn why our bones, joints and muscles function less well as we age, and discover how best to live well as we get older.

This course is designed for patients, carers and people who lead active lives and would appreciate knowing how their lifestyle is likely to affect their long-term health. It may also inspire you to study or research musculoskeletal ageing. No previous biological experience is needed.

This course will also be ideal for those from a non-biological background who may be interested in studying or researching musculoskeletal ageing at postgraduate level. For more information see our MRes and PhD training pages on our web site.

• What is musculoskeletal health and how does it change with age?
• Welcome to course
• What is the musculoskeletal system?
• How and why does the musculoskeletal system age?
• Mobility and ageing
• Ageing and disease
• Reflection and a look at next week
• How can physical activity benefit musculoskeletal health?
• Why do we need to think about moving into old age?
• The importance of everyday movement
• Is your chair killing you?
• What is best practice?
• Reflection and a look at next week
• How can diet benefit musculoskeletal health?
• Nutrients for musculoskeletal health
• What should we eat for healthy muscle and bones?
• Reading food labels
• Monitoring nutritional health and setting healthy eating guidelines
• Ageing and other factors affecting nutritional needs and dietary habits
• Final steps