1. Project "OHIO"

A 15 year longitudinal, randomised, controlled trial with nested examination of the lived experiences of conference participants eating and drinking.

Acronym rationale: "high around the middle (AC - abdominal circumference) with two holes at the ends.

Background:

Two issues, which are close to the hearts of all participants at this conference, are eating/drinking and aging. Extensive literature suggests that starvation increases longevity. The overall research aim is to examine the balance of energy intake and expenditure, and what happens when imbalance occurs.

Methods:

This multi-functional, multi-method, multi-disciplinary, longitudinal, participant-observation study of conference participants sequestered at the Farimont requires the Medical Foundation to purchase the Resort to enable interventions to be implemented and measured over the next 15 years. All participants will give up their outside lives to participate in this "human - biosphere" type study. Study aims span the theme from "cell to society".

• Gene Manipulation: Aging / Alzheimer genes will be replaced with 'youth' and 'anti-dementia' genes.
• Biochemistry: 'old' protein chains (in starvation) are susceptible to oxidants.
• Mitochondria: Will be measured for energy expenditure / generation of reactive oxygen metabolites.
• Oral Hygiene: Starvation effects on bacteria of teeth (the 'aging germ')
• Pharmacy: Development of super-antioxidant wine.
• Aging Responses: All participants will be randomised (bribes welcome) to:
1. Teeth pulled starvation group (monitor starvation and aging)
2. NHMRC rats group - PhD and Post Docs. (already in pre-starved state)
3. Exercise night club group - drinking and expenditure > intake
4. Exercise bush walking group - no drinking + expenditure > intake
5. Sloth group - no exercise, unlimited intake
6. Anti-oxidant red wine group (all investigators will be assigned to this group)
7. Stratification of "already aged" group.
• All levels / ranges of expertise are available within the CHS cohort, from actual childbirth delivery to caring for the aged and / or demented.

Measurements:

Ultrasound - "live" red wine consumption (gut transport - oral to anus / urethra), skin wrinkling; muscle strength / balance / flexibility; MRI for brain atrophy; brain biopsy; visual function (alcohol vs non alcohol survival / QOL of varying age cohorts; live experience - advancing aged process being involved with Uni.' population based - effects of a "starvation institution"

Budget:

$25,000.00 as down payment for purchase of Fairmont Resort. President of Medical Foundation to be urgently recalled to provide funds for continued maintenance of project at Fairmont.

NB: Proposal development was interrupted at this point for lunch . . .