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We've heard it before, a UBC researcher is urging all of us to ensure exercise is a daily habit.

Regardless of disease and disability, Professor Gareth Jones says a daily dose of exercise at any age has a remarkable benefit on cognitive and physical abilities and overall health.

The benefits may be especially important for our senior populations.

As part of Okanagan College’s Science in Society speaker series, Jones will reveal the latest research from his lab on Parkinson’s disease, frailty and exercise to enhance and preserve physical function.

“Much of the age- and sex-associated differences observed between older adults can be associated with the aging and disuse of muscle and other mechanical tissues,” says Jones, who's team at UBCO is studying the fields of exercise, prehabilitative and rehabilitative sciences through the aging process. “Exercise that strengthens muscle will restore and maintain physical function, regardless of age or sex.”

His public talk, 'Is Exercise the Medicine for Successful Aging?' takes place on Thursday, Mar. 9 at 7:30 p.m. at the college’s Vernon campus lecture theatre.

Admission to the lecture is $7 in advance or $10 at the door. For advanced tickets call the Okanagan Science Centre at 250-545-3644. To subscribe or obtain more information go online.