Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Centre for active lifestyles and healthy ageing (ACTLIFE)
Our vision is a world where active lifestyles promote health for all
The Centre for Active Lifestyles and Healthy Ageing is committed to advancing research and innovation to promote physical activity and health across all stages of life. By “health”, we adopt the World Health Organisation definition of a state of complete physical, mental and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity. Consequently, the Centre aims to address key health challenges from childhood to old age, focusing on enhancing physical activity levels and healthy lifestyle habits.
Our interdisciplinary approach integrates research and practical knowledge from physical activity, nutrition, lifestyle interventions, health sciences, and clinical practice to develop innovative solutions that enhance physical, mental, and social health, with a strong focus on prevention and early intervention.
Through collaboration and knowledge exchange with regional, national, and international partners, industry stakeholders and policymakers, we aim to contribute to health innovation, addressing health inequalities that affect communities. We strive to translate cutting-edge research into practical interventions that enhance quality of life, fostering an environment that supports inclusive health and well-being for all.
ACTLIFE’s key areas of focus
Our research and initiatives are designed to address health challenges holistically by integrating expertise from a wide range of disciplines such as physiology, biomechanics, psychology, physical activity, nutrition, clinical practice, and social sciences. Each area reflects a collaborative and interconnected approach, ensuring that efforts are inclusive, innovative, and impactful. By working across these domains, we aim to generate comprehensive solutions that enhance health throughout the lifespan.
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Physical health across the lifespan
This area focuses on promoting overall physical health through active lifestyles, with particular attention to the prevention and management of non-communicable diseases such as sarcopenia, cardiovascular disease, metabolic disorders, and other chronic conditions. The role of physical activity in preventing and better managing chronic conditions and supporting vitality across all ages is central to our approach.
Examples of current work
- Programmes addressing age-related sarcopenia and cardiovascular risk reduction through physical activity.
- Investigating the long-term impact of physical activity interventions on metabolic health in adolescents and adults.
- Research on physical activity’s role as a supportive therapy to improve outcomes for cancer patients and survivors.
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Nutrition for lifelong health
This area explores how nutritional strategies can support lifelong health, with a focus on dietary habits, metabolic health, and preventing chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and obesity. We contribute to the development of health solutions that improve dietary health and reduce inequalities, drawing on partnerships with public and private sectors.
Examples of current work
- Community-based nutrition interventions to improve dietary habits in disadvantaged groups.
- Research on the role of nutrition in preventing chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity.
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Technology and innovation
This area focuses on technologies and innovations such as wearables and telehealth to support an active lifestyle throughout the lifespan and monitor health. It also explores how new technologies can enhance rehabilitative practices in both hospital and community environments.
Examples of current work
- Development and testing of wearable technologies for continuous health monitoring and personalised fitness tracking.
- Biomechanical assessments.
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Mental and social health resilience
This area highlights the role of active lifestyles and social engagement in enhancing mental, cognitive, and emotional health. We explore how these factors contribute to resilience, particularly in the face of mental health challenges, and how social engagement plays a key role in well-being across the lifespan. Our work aims to reduce mental health disparities and ensure our interventions are inclusive, accessible, and culturally sensitive to diverse communities.
Examples of current work
- Initiatives targeting emotional resilience in older adults through lifestyle modifications and social engagement.
- Integration of physical activity into mental health interventions for children and adolescents
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Translating research into practice
This area focuses on implementation science to ensure research is translated into actionable interventions that are integrated into daily life, clinical settings, and community environments through knowledge sharing, policy development, and collaboration with researchers, clinicians, practitioners, and policymakers. Our aim is to create sustainable health solutions that align with regional growth and the development of health innovation ecosystems.
Examples of current work
- Policy development projects aimed at addressing health disparities and promoting active living.
Professor Theocharis Ispoglou
Professor of Exercise and Nutrition Sciences at Leeds Beckett University, specialising in sarcopenia, nutritional interventions, and exercise physiology. Extensive experience in research, teaching, and mentorship, focusing on improving muscle health and healthy ageing.
Recent research projects
