Healthy Ageing

When we are young, we seldom think about old age.  When we do think about it, we may imagine it to be a time of disability and dis-ease.  Perhaps for good reason.    In the UK, the average life expectancy is about 80 years, with many experiencing multiple health conditions later in life.  While certain biological changes undoubtedly occur as we age, is disability and dis-ease inevitable?  Research exploring other cultural contexts suggests it is not.  In fact, it has been found that people can not only live to over 100, they can also remain mobile, healthy and happy in later life.  This has been documented in communities of centenarians living in Okinawa (Japan), Iberia (Greece), Sardinia (Italy), and Loma Linda (America). 

What then are the factors that may contribute towards healthy ageing?

1. Chronic Stress & Trauma

Chronic general stress, be it mild, even anticipatory, keeps the body in a continual state of fear.  This depletes energy, impairs cognitive functions, and makes one more susceptible to chronic physical dis-ease.  Traumatic shock is a more intense form of emotional distress, and is linked to the development of numerous mental and physical dis-eases, as well as premature mortality.  Any form of persistent mental and emotional distress will significantly impair health and daily functioning.  Therefore, applying tools to address this early on can prevent the onset of illness as we age. 

2. Exercise

Time and again studies show that regular movement is good for you.  It helps manage general stress, boost energy, enhances physical functioning and increases our ability to cope with stressors.  The earlier you start the better.  However, studies suggest that even in later life, consistent exercise and dietary protein can significantly reduce frailty.  Furthermore, regular activities of gardening, even cleaning, can benefit health if approached with the right mindset.  

3. Diet 

You won’t be surprised to hear that a healthy diet is good for your physical health.  The type of food you eat makes a difference, with Mediterranean style diets thought to be the most optimum for healthy ageing.  

4. Connection & Support  

Studies consistently show that when we feel connected to others and supported, it significantly improves health outcomes.  Poor social support on the other hand is linked to higher rates of dis-ease and premature mortality.  Cultivating positive relationships entails seeing people in a more positive light, forgiving transgressions where possible, and exercising compassion, while also setting boundaries with toxic people.  Other factors that we seldom think about, yet, can have a significant negative impact on interpersonal relationships include lying, stealing, malicious gossip, and harming others.  Actively addressing any jealous tendencies and practicing generosity can also foster more peaceful relationships.  

Purpose 

In Japan, a sense of purpose is known as ikigai.  When life has no purpose and meaning and we are continually involved in activities that make us unhappy, this negative energy can in turn impair health.  Research on centenarians found that many wake each morning with a mission in life.  For example, for the Adventists in Linda Loma, they had a strong sense of religious purpose – having a connection to God, while at the same time engaging in activities that benefitted the community.  For others, purpose may be about being part of a cause, attaining enlightenment, perfecting good character, creating things, or any other goal or belief that gives life meaning.  Remember, a sense of purpose or having a mission is often something we discover following a process of trial and error.  The key is to be open-minded and keep trying new things until you find your ikigai.  

Final Thoughts 

From what we know of healthy centenarians, key factors that stand out include: the absence of chronic stress and unresolved trauma; healthy diets; regular movement; feeling connected and supported, and a sense of purpose which is typically rooted in religious or spiritual beliefs and activities.   

No doubt other factors may play a part, however, if we consistently apply the aforementioned suggestions then it significantly increases the likelihood of reducing risk of disability and dis-ease, and ageing well.  While engaging in these activities throughout the lifecourse is the most optimum approach, remember that it is never too late to take steps to invest in your psychological, physical, social and spiritual wellbeing.  

Wishing you health and happiness.  

Sadaf  

🙂