Scott Gordon, professor of kinesiology, will deliver the College of Health and Human Services’ annual Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Dialogue for a Healthier Community lecture on Monday, April 1.
Gordon’s public talk “Fitting Into Your Genes: The New Paradigm for Healthy Aging” will begin at 6 p.m. at UNC Charlotte Center City, with opening remarks by Brad Wilson, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina president and CEO. Inside UNC Charlotte will provide a live stream of this event.
Afterward, Gordon’s 20-minute presentation will focus on healthy aging and improving quality of life. He will describe the thrifty gene hypothesis, the concept of biological age and why our genes expect physical activity. Attendees will be challenged to consider their own health and well-being and to discover new ways in which they can “fit into their genes.”
Following the lecture, UNC Charlotte College of Health and Human Services faculty and students will provide free, interactive health assessment activities, nutrition information and a reception featuring healthy menu items for guests. The event is free and open to the public. Online registration is requested.
Gordon, the Department of Kinesiology’s newest chair and professor, has focused his research on the effects of exercise in younger and older adults and on the aging process. He also studies identifying molecular mechanisms of skeletal muscle remodeling with aging, disuse or resistance exercise. A widely published author arriving last year from East Carolina University, Gordon is fully committed to student excellence and community health, bringing his research expertise and energy to his new role at UNC Charlotte.
“Promotion of healthy lifestyle choices, such as physical activity, is one important mission of our college, and my talk will take a fun approach to show how and why physical activity taps into the roots of our ancient genetic makeup to keep us healthy,” said Gordon.