The Musculoskeletal System: The Science of Staying Active into Old Age

This free online course has been developed by The Medical Research Council Versus Arthritis Centre for Integrated Research into Musculoskeletal Ageing, a collaboration between the Universities of Liverpool, Sheffield and Newcastle. On this course, you’ll learn why our bones, joints and muscles function less well as we age, and discover how best to live well as we get older.

This course is designed for patients, carers and people who lead active lives and would appreciate knowing how their lifestyle is likely to affect their long-term health. It may also inspire you to study or research musculoskeletal ageing. No previous biological experience is needed.

This course will also be ideal for those from a non-biological background who may be interested in studying or researching musculoskeletal ageing at postgraduate level. For more information see our MRes and PhD training pages on our web site.

This course is designed for patients, carers and people who lead active lives and would appreciate knowing how their lifestyle is likely to affect their long-term health. It may also inspire you to study or research musculoskeletal ageing. No previous biological experience is needed.

This course will also be ideal for those from a non-biological background who may be interested in studying or researching musculoskeletal ageing at postgraduate level. For more information see our MRes and PhD training pages on our web site.

• Identify the key components of the musculoskeletal system and explain how they fit together.
• Explain how ageing affects the musculoskeletal system.
• Describe common age-related problems of the musculoskeletal system.
• Discuss the impacts of musculoskeletal ageing on society and quality of life.
• Explore the impact of physical activity and inactivity on bones, muscles and joints.
• Identify the most important nutritional factors required for a healthy musculoskeletal system.
• Discuss how ageing and other factors affect nutritional needs and dietary habits for the musculoskeletal system.
• Explain how scientists and health professionals determine dietary requirements.
• Identify good dietary and other sources of essential nutrients.