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Sharon Hetherington

Sharon Hetherington

PhD (General)

Sharon has just completed a Bachelor of Human Movement with Honours (Exercise Science) and is about to commence full time study on her PhD. She also holds qualifications in electronics and computing.

Sharon's topic area is the promotion of healthy ageing. Her PhD dissertation will focus on defining the key elements that enhance the likelihood of an older adult adopting, and maintaining, adequate levels of physical activity. Understanding the reasons for, and barriers to, older adults continuing participation in physical activity is vitally important. Research shows that regular physical activity prolongs functional independence by maintaining muscle strength and cardiovascular capacity. Furthermore, promoting a healthy aged population leads to reductions in health care costs associated with chronic disease states and fall injuries.