He is a psychologist, Doctor in Biomedical Sciences and principal investigator of the research group Ageing C (CINTESIS / University of Aveiro). His interest in the field of Ageing emerged roughly halfway through his bachelor studies at the University of Minho, when he spent a period of time at the University of Salamanca in Spain as part of his Erasmus exchange. He completed his internship at the Psychogeriatric Service of the Hospital Magalhães Lemos and then “knocked on the door” of Constança Paúl at the Abel Salazar Institute of Biomedical Sciences of the University of Porto (ICBAS).
He has a European Master Degree in Gerontology, with training in centers of excellence in several countries, and earned his doctorate in the field of Ageing. In 2004, he began teaching at the University of Aveiro where he still works nowadays. He collaborated with several higher education institutions, in particular with the Higher Institute of Social Service of Porto (ISSSP in Portuguese) where he was the coordinator of the Psychology area.
He had a clinical practice with adults and seniors in Braga, due to a growing demand from the older population. He likes to have “a tripartite vision of knowledge in the Ageing field, covering clinical practice, research and teaching”. As a researcher, he has dedicated himself mainly to the study of exceptional longevity through the project PT100 – Study of the Centenaries of Porto and its satellite studies. He confesses, however, that he is not searching for the elixir of eternal youth. After all, more than knowing how to reach this age, the goal for the moment is to know how to live this age.
What is your 1-Year Ambition?
Being in a phase of transition at the professional level, I intend to consolidate some projects that are starting, and to close others, namely through the operationalization of the scientific writing of the results of the various projects.
What is your 10-Year Ambition?
I intend to consolidate the PT100 projects and its scientific contributions at a national and an international level. As part of the international consortium of centennial studies, our challenges are to homogenize samples, gather data from the various projects and work in a coordinated manner. Exceptional longevity (over 85 years of age) is something I want to continue to dedicate myself to. No doubt about it. From the scientific point of view, it is fascinating to comprehend the human psyche at such an advanced stage of life, namely its adaptive resources in the face of the inexorable physical and social losses.
How is life beyond research?
Traveling, for me, is clearly a pleasure. I’ve been practically in every continent, but I hope I can explore further the African continent.