How to Live better for longer is a two-part factual-entertainment health series. Presented by Dr Eva Orsmond, the programme will share with the nation tips to live a longer and healthier life.
This series takes a positive view of ageing, even when faced with adverse life events or challenging conditions. Viewers will discover that ‘attitude to life’ and social interaction are hugely important in the ageing process. We examine how our bodies age, how our brains age, the diseases of ageing and scientific advances. Using an evidence based scientific approach with a mix of information, exploration and human-interest stories, we explore what we can do to maximise our chances of good health as we go through life.
Each 50-minute episode features experts in this specialised field and inspiring members of the public who give us important tips on how to live a better and longer life.
Dr. Eva takes an active part in some visual and physical tests as she meets the expert clinicians and members of the pubic to get a better understanding of living a long and healthy life in Ireland.
The series presented by Dr. Eva Orsmond, will be broadcast on RTÉ One at 9.35pm on Monday 13 and 20 May.
Part 1 of 2
Episode 1
Dr Eva Orsmond grew up in Finland and credits her mother and grandmother’s simple lifestyle habits for her healthy start in life. She also believes that her health is down to her good genes. Eva is lucky to have a good start to life but she wants to know when healthy ageing begins and what is the template for long life and good health?
Dr Eva meets Amsterdam Professor of early Development and health Dr Tessa Roseboomwho tells her about her research with health records from world war two studies babies who were born around the time of the Dutch Famine to investigate whether pre-natal under nutrition impacted their health and longevity. She speaks to Professor of physiology Alan Donnelly at the University of Limerick to find out about the epidemic of sedentary behaviour in Ireland, how much physical activity we should be doing and is it ever too late to start moving? Eva visits Villiers secondary school in Limerick to meet one of Alan’s colleague’s, PHD student Brendan O’ Keefe, to hear about and see his youth fit project in action
Eva is eager to find out how her body is ageing and invites two volunteers, 24-year-old Arron Lynch and 78-year-old George Dowling to undergo a number of tests from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing led ageing expert and Professor of Medical Gerontology Rose Ann Kenny.
Eva visits a boxing class for young and old run by former international and Olympic boxer Mick Dowling. She asks him why at 72 years of age he is still involved in boxing and how he feels about getting older.