"Ageing is not a journey to weakness" - Professor Theocharis Ispoglou delivers inaugural professorial lecture on healthy ageing

The lecture examined why physical activity, exercise and nutrition play a crucial role throughout life, highlighting how moving more, building strength, and eating well can protect muscle, prevent Sarcopenia, and support long-term health.

Reflecting on his personal and academic journey, Professor Ispoglou spoke about growing up in rural Greece, where physical activity was "simply a part of daily life" and nutrition was key - with many of the lessons and values learnt still relevant to his life today.

Drawing on his research in resistance training, protein nutrition, and nutritional supplementation, Professor Ispoglou outlined how muscle and strength matter is still missing from everyday health conversations and how important it is to support healthy ageing.

During the lecture, he also shared his vision for more people to increase everyday strength and resistance training, particularly as we get older. He says "strength underpins everyday life."

He explores the importance of nutrition, in particular protein intake, and how it must work together with strength training to improve overall strength and wellbeing. He says: "We can make strength, nutrition and support accessible if we design for real people, not ideal scenarios."

About the lecture, he says: "Delivering my inaugural lecture here at Leeds Beckett is an honour. I am deeply grateful to everyone who joined me - colleagues, students, partners, friends, and family. Their support has shaped my journey and made this work possible.

"Leeds Beckett has given me the opportunity to develop research that not only advances scientific understanding but has real impact on how we help people to age well. The research is focused on practical solutions - from resistance training and protein nutrition to new approaches that help people maintain muscle and independence as they grow older.

"Working together with our community and partners across the region, we have the potential to transform healthy ageing. I am excited about the future, proud that Leeds Beckett is leading the way, and I am determined - and hopeful - that we can help people realise what is possible and shift their trajectory in a positive direction."

He described achieving his professorship as one of the "proudest moments of my career."

The event formed part of Leeds Beckett University’s Inaugural Professorial Lecture Series, which showcases the work and impact of newly appointed professors across the institution.

Attendees were invited to take part in a Q&A session, where Professor Ispoglou discussed current challenges and future directions in healthy ageing research.

Find out more information about the work of the Centre for Active Lifestyles and Healthy Ageing.