Connie Watkins Bales

Research in our laboratory focuses on the role of nutrition (particularly vitamins and minerals) in the prevention and management of chronic diseases in older adults. Previous studies have concerned trace elements and cardiovascular disease, calcium and osteoporosis, and renal synthesis of vitamin D as it relates to bone health. Some of our newest work emphasizes the role of micronutrients as antioxidants and their interaction with the aging process. We are also working on various aspects of energy balance in older adults, ranging from failure to thrive in stroke patients with dysphagia to exercise and nutrition effects in overweight subjects who begin physical training. Thus we have a number of clinical and epidemiological projects on-going, many of which include a strong emphasis on nutrition assessment techniques in middle-aged and elderly subjects.

Current Appointments & Affiliations

Professor Emeritus in Medicine · 2024 - Present Medicine, Geriatrics and Palliative Care, Medicine

Senior Fellow in the Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development · 1988 - Present Center for the Study of Aging and Human Development, Institutes and Centers

Recent Publications

Nutrition for Older Adults: Perspectives on Dietary Guidance for Healthy Aging.

Journal Article Curr Dev Nutr · March 2026 The world is rapidly aging. It is projected that the "young old" (i.e., 60+ y) population will double by 2050 and the "older old" (i.e., 80+ y) will nearly triple. Greater life expectancy has been accompanied by more chronic health conditions and disabilit ... Full text Link to item Cite

From Intention to Maintenance: A Two-Year Examination of Clinical and Lifestyle Changes in Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Journal Article ACR Open Rheumatol · December 2025 OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the long-term impacts of a 16-week remotely supervised exercise and weight loss intervention for rheumatoid arthritis (Supervised Weight Loss and Exercise Training in Rheumatoid Arthritis [SWET-RA]). METHODS: In total, 21 older adult ... Full text Open Access Link to item Cite

The impact of lifestyle modification on metabolic pathways in older adults with overweight/obesity and rheumatoid arthritis: a secondary exploratory analysis of the SWET-RA study.

Journal Article BMC Rheumatol · June 9, 2025 BACKGROUND: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with increased cardiometabolic risk due to inflammation and traditional risk factors, both of which can be mitigated by lifestyle modifications. This study examines metabolic pathways influenced by lifest ... Full text Open Access Link to item Cite

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Recent Grants

Effect of Nutrient Rich Egg Intervention on Vision, Function and Cognition in Older Adults with Early Age-Related Macular Degeneration

Clinical TrialCo Investigator · Awarded by Eggland's Best, LLC · 2023 - 2026

Weight loss, in vivo cartilage mechanics, and joint health

ResearchCo Investigator · Awarded by National Institutes of Health · 2019 - 2025

Behavior and Physiology in Aging

Inst. Training Prgm or CMEMentor · Awarded by National Institute on Aging · 2015 - 2025

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Education

University of Tennessee, Knoxville · 1981 Ph.D.