The course provides an in-depth analysis of the interplay between lifestyle factors (diet, physical activity level, sleep quality, and smoking habits) and health during the aging process, highlighting their significance as modifiable elements to reduce the risk of age-related non-communicable chronic diseases. Particular emphasis will be placed on nutritional aspects and healthy dietary patterns, which play a crucial role in the aging process. Dietary habits and eating behaviors are recognized as key modifiable factors with the potential to contribute to a "healthy aging phenotype." The course will also explore the increasingly important applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in the fields of nutrition and lifestyle medicine, demonstrating how AI is enhancing the prevention, management, and treatment of lifestyle-related chronic diseases.
Teaching Methods
The teaching uses lectures through the use of PowerPoint lessons, videos and in-depth material (publications in indexed journals, guidelines of the main national and international scientific societies), made available to students in the section dedicated to teaching on the KIRO moodle platform. The lessons will also be supported by the use of free game-based learning platforms (es. KAHOOT, etc .).
Assessment Methods
The exam will involve designing an original research project aimed at promoting health among older adults through the application of lifestyle medicine principles covered during the course. The project must be developed following a structured framework that will be provided in advance. Students will present their research using PowerPoint slides in a presentation not exceeding 15 minutes. Students may work individually or in groups of up to three members. If working in a group, all members must contribute significantly to the project, actively engaging in both the planning and discussion phases. Each participant's role and contributions should be clearly defined to ensure active involvement and accountability.
Texts
Use of slides and supplementary material (e.g. research articles, guidilens, video) provided during the lessons.
Contents
The program has been divided into 8 Lectures, as follows: L1 - Ageing is the most significant demographic phenomenon of the 21st century-the biology of “Inflammaging” and Non-Communicable Diseases. L2 - Healthy ageing and nutrition: sensory and cognitive aspects. L3 - Guidelines on physical activity and sedentary behavior in the older adult L4 - Healthy Ageing and Nutrition: medical aspects and nutritional status assessment L5 - Malnutrition and Integration in the Silver Age L6 - Sustainable dietary patterns to promote healthy ageing. L7 - The Lifestyle Medicine for healthy ageing: the role of AI L8 – How to preserve healthy ageing through nutritional strategies: the SENIOR project – a case study
