Transforming Aging Research Through Movement and Mindfulness
By Elizabeth Drolle
Operations and Relations Manager, Network for Aging Research
"Cognitive health in aging is variable...modifiable lifestyle factors like physical activity, social interaction, and sleep can support brain health"
Maral Ghodsi is currently completing her MSc in Kinesiology under the supervision of NAR Member Dr. Laura Middleton in the Brain and Body Lab. With a strong foundation in health and care, she holds a bachelor’s degree in anesthesiology and has four years of clinical experience. Beyond her academic and professional pursuits, Maral trained as a professional gymnast and gymnastics coach, fostering a lifelong passion for physical health and well-being. Her diverse background seamlessly blends clinical expertise with a deep understanding of movement and the human body.
However, it was her personal experience growing up as the youngest child in her family that had the greatest influence on her path. Witnessing the aging process of her parents and, especially, her elder grandparents sparked a pivotal shift in her academic focus, drawing her toward aging research. Observing their experiences—their resilience and the challenges they faced—deepened her passion for improving the quality of life for older adults. This personal connection to aging fuels her belief that the field must be approached with empathy, as "you are working with individuals navigating complete life transitions."
Maral's research sits at the intersection of kinesiology, neuroscience, gerontology, and mental health, with profound implications for clinical care. "Aging is a multifaceted process that no single field can fully capture on its own. Collaboration across different fields allows us to examine aging from multiple perspectives—biological, clinical, psychological, social, and environmental—leading to a more comprehensive and innovative approach," she explains.
Her research focuses on the connection between physical activity, sleep quality, and mental well-being—particularly anxiety and depression—in older adults with and without cognitive impairment. While much attention is given to the physical and cognitive aspects of aging, she emphasizes that mental health challenges are often overlooked despite their profound impact on quality of life. This gap is especially evident in dementia care, where anxiety and depression can exacerbate cognitive decline and reduce well-being. Her work aims to fill this critical gap by identifying non-pharmacological, lifestyle-based interventions that can be integrated into prevention and care strategies. Specifically, she is exploring how physical activity and sleep quality may help reduce anxiety and depression in individuals with mild cognitive impairment and dementia. By uncovering these connections, Maral hopes to promote more holistic, person-centered approaches to aging and dementia care, ultimately improving mental health outcomes for the aging population.
By addressing this gap in knowledge, Maral aims to expand the use of non-pharmacological interventions in care plans. Her research focuses on promoting practical and sustainable lifestyle behaviors—such as regular physical activity and improved sleep habits—that can help older adults preserve their independence, reduce psychological distress, and potentially slow cognitive decline. Through this work, she seeks to provide actionable strategies that enhance mental well-being and overall quality of life in aging populations.
Maral’s work is paving the way for a future where aging is better understood and supported through practical solutions. By filling important gaps in knowledge and focusing on straightforward, non-pharmacological approaches, she is changing how we think about aging, mental health, and cognitive decline. As the world’s population continues to age, her research could lead to better care practices that help older adults live healthier, more independent lives. With passionate researchers like Maral leading the way, there’s real hope for improving the quality of life for older generations in the years ahead.
Maral Ghodsi holds a bachelor's degree in anesthesiology and was previously a professional gymnast and gymnastics coach. She is currently completing her MSc in Kinesiology under Dr. Laura Middleton in the Brain and Body Lab. For inquiries about her research, she can be reached at mghodsib@uwaterloo.ca.
If you are interested in nominating a student for NAR's Emerging Researchers series, please contact us at nar@uwaterloo.ca