The number of adults aged over 60 years will double in the next half century and unfortunately, even with life-long health, there is a progressive decline in respiratory function with ageing. The respiratory muscles become weaker, airways narrower, chest wall stiffer, and the lungs lose their elasticity. These age-related changes may result in an increased incidence on exercise induce laryngeal obstruction (narrowing of the larynx) and exercise induced bronchoconstriction (asthma during exercise). It is also likely these contributes to the increased breathlessness that is observed in older adults and will limit their exercise tolerance. Lifelong exercise is essential for preserving or delaying the onset of functional disability and chronic diseases. Accordingly, this project will investigate respiratory limitations to exercise in healthy ageing. Ultimately, this project will lead to the development of more effective therapies to improve respiratory function and exercise tolerance in older adults, reducing the incidence of functional disability and chronic diseases.

The candidate will join a successful team of multi-disciplinary scientists from several institutions, and will work in state-of-the-art laboratories with exceptional core facilities.

For informal discussion regarding the project, please contact: dean.mills@usq.edu.au

Assoc Prof Dean Mills

• School of Health and Medical Sciences

• Cardiovascular Medicine and Haematology
• Human Movement and Sports Science

• Doctor of Philosophy (DPHD)
• Master of Research (MRES)