{"id":801362,"date":"2024-03-15T20:51:08","date_gmt":"2024-03-15T20:51:08","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-how-to-improve-agility-copy\/"},"modified":"2024-03-16T15:52:07","modified_gmt":"2024-03-16T15:52:07","slug":"blog-ageing-well-healthy-habits","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-ageing-well-healthy-habits\/","title":{"rendered":"Ageing Well: Healthy Habits to Outlive Your Years"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"bsf_rt_marker\"><\/div><p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;Section&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; collapsed=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row admin_label=&#8221;Row&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.22.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text ul_item_indent=&#8221;50px&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Text&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_font=&#8221;Open Sans||||||||&#8221; link_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; ul_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">As life expectancy increases, many of us are living longer \u2013 but are we living <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">healthier<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">There are over <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ageing-better.org.uk\/summary-state-ageing-2022\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">11 million people in the UK aged 65 and over<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> \u2013 19% of the overall population. As the average age of the population increases, it\u2019s never been more important to understand what helps us not only live longer, but live <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">well<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> for longer. But what does it mean to age well?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">In this article, we\u2019ll ask what ageing well looks like, what helps us to stay healthy as we grow older, and outline some healthy habits that research tells us have the maximum impact on longevity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_is_healthy_ageing\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">What is healthy ageing?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_81 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"cursor:pointer\">Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-ageing-well-healthy-habits\/#What_is_healthy_ageing\" >What is healthy ageing?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-ageing-well-healthy-habits\/#What_does_ageing_well_look_like\" >What does ageing well look like?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-ageing-well-healthy-habits\/#4_factors_affecting_healthy_ageing\" >4 factors affecting healthy ageing\u00a0<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-ageing-well-healthy-habits\/#Genetics\" >Genetics<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-ageing-well-healthy-habits\/#Environment\" >Environment<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-ageing-well-healthy-habits\/#Medical_care_and_social_factors\" >Medical care and social factors\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-ageing-well-healthy-habits\/#Healthy_habits_to_outlive_your_years\" >Healthy habits to outlive your years<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-ageing-well-healthy-habits\/#Stop_smoking\" >Stop smoking<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-ageing-well-healthy-habits\/#Eat_a_varied_healthy_diet_that_promotes_longevity\" >Eat a varied, healthy diet that promotes longevity\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-ageing-well-healthy-habits\/#Stay_physically_active_%E2%80%93_or_create_new_opportunities_for_movement\" >Stay physically active \u2013 or create new opportunities for movement<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-ageing-well-healthy-habits\/#Keep_your_brain_active\" >Keep your brain active<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-ageing-well-healthy-habits\/#Reduce_alcohol_consumption\" >Reduce alcohol consumption\u00a0\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-ageing-well-healthy-habits\/#Stay_well_hydrated\" >Stay well hydrated<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-ageing-well-healthy-habits\/#Make_sleep_a_priority\" >Make sleep a priority\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-ageing-well-healthy-habits\/#Take_care_of_your_mental_health\" >Take care of your mental health\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-ageing-well-healthy-habits\/#What_else_can_we_do\" >What else can we do?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-ageing-well-healthy-habits\/#i\" >\u00a0<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/blog-ageing-well-healthy-habits\/#Ready_to_outlive_your_years\" >Ready to outlive your years?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/questions-and-answers\/item\/healthy-ageing-and-functional-ability\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">World Health Organisation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> (WHO) defines healthy ageing as \u201cthe process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age.\u201d\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">This is quite a technical definition, so let\u2019s take a look at what it would look like in practice. From this definition, we can see that healthy ageing:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Is an ongoing process<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">That both develops and maintains functional ability<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">To encourage wellbeing in older age<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">When we talk about <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5890973\/#:~:text\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">functional ability<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">, we\u2019re talking about our ability to perform and enjoy the basic activities of daily living, without excessive pain or fatigue. This includes to:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Meet basic needs<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Learn, grow, and make decisions<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Be mobile<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Build and maintain relationships<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Contribute to society\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">As we age, factors such as chronic disease, pain, fatigue, or isolation can affect our functional ability, impact our physical and mental health, and have a significant effect on our experience of ageing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Healthy ageing is about how we can remain active, mobile, and connected in later life. This is closely linked to the concept of longevity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">What is longevity?\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Longevity describes how long and how well a person lives. There are a few different definitions, but longevity research is concerned with promoting an active, independent, and purposeful life throughout the lifespan, including into older age. The number of years a person spends in good health and free of chronic disease is known as their health span.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h4><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Longevity vs. lifespan<\/span><\/h4>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">While they\u2019re related terms, longevity is not the same as life span. Lifespan refers to the length of a life, longevity refers to the length <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">and <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">health of a life. Research in the field of longevity asks questions not only about how we can live longer, but how we can live healthier, and how to control (or even reverse) the marks of ageing.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_ageing_well_look_like\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">What does ageing well look like?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Ageing well can look different for different people. Some common markers of healthy ageing include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">The absence of chronic disease<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Mobility<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Independence<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Mental capacity<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Financial security<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Social connections<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">A sense of purpose<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Resilience in the face of difficulties<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Life satisfaction and enjoyment\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Overall, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC1364512\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">ageing well<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> \u201cpromotes personal behaviors and life-course environments that limit functional declines, especially those caused by chronic conditions, to help older adults maintain their independence and health. Ageing well emphasizes the idea that people can maintain satisfying and healthy lives as they age by exercising the choices that optimize healthy, active, and secure lives.\u201d<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_factors_affecting_healthy_ageing\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">4 factors affecting healthy ageing\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">How long we live \u2013 and what our experience of ageing is \u2013 is affected by a variety of intersecting factors, some of which fall within or outside of our control. Understanding these factors can help us to prioritize the habits that will have the maximum impact on longevity within our specific circumstances.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Genetics\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Genetics<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">The first factor that affects healthy ageing is our genetics. It\u2019s estimated that approximately <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/immunityageing.biomedcentral.com\/articles\/10.1186\/s12979-016-0066-z\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">25% of the variation in human longevity<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> is determined by genetic factors. Some of the ways genetics affect how long we live is via effects on cell maintenance and metabolism, as well as genes specifically affecting:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">DNA repair<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Telomere conservation<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Free radical management<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Nutrient-sensing signaling<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Lipoprotein metabolism<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Cardiovascular homeostasis<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Immunity<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Inflammation<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Genetic factors are largely outside of our control, but thankfully aren\u2019t the whole story when it comes to how long we live. Other factors include our environment, health behaviours, the medical care we have access to, and various other social factors.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Environment\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Environment<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Environment plays a significant role in longevity. Environmental factors can relate to the large scale (such as geographical location) or the small scale (such as pollution, air quality, or access to nature). For example, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/novoslabs.com\/living-environment-and-aging\/#:~:text\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">living in a heavily polluted area<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> negatively impacts several aspects of ageing, including how well our mitochondria function, inflammation levels, and the number of senescent (damaged) cells in our bodies.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Some environmental factors that affect longevity include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Air quality<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Atmospheric pressure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Temperature<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Humidity<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Presence of pollutants\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Access to clean water<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Medical_care_and_social_factors\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Medical care and social factors\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Access to medical care, which is largely dictated by geographical location and economic status, affects longevity. Similarly, social factors such as financial security, safe housing, education, access to an integrated healthcare system, social care provisions, and access to transportation also affect how long (and well) we live. This also includes our social systems \u2013 whether we\u2019re socially isolated or can participate in meaningful social relationships. Research has found that loneliness is detrimental to human health. One study found that loneliness in people over the age of 60 was associated with a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/22710744\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">higher risk of functional decline<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> and death by all causes.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Health behaviours\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Finally, the behaviours we do or don\u2019t engage in significantly impact how we age. This factor is the easiest to control and plays a vital role in how well and long we live. While individual behaviour doesn\u2019t form the entire picture of longevity, there is thankfully plenty we can do to positively influence our lifespan and prioritise ageing well.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Healthy_habits_to_outlive_your_years\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Healthy habits to outlive your years<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/shutterstock_1255404082.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;An older man and woman run together alongside a river. The sun is shining and a metal barrier separates the path from the water. Both runners are wearing workout clothing, and are smiling as they complete the workout. &#8221; title_text=&#8221;shutterstock_1255404082&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">There\u2019s a lot of research on individual behaviours that promote or decrease longevity. We\u2019ve sifted through the data to round up the top 9 actions for healthy ageing \u2013 let\u2019s get into them.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stop_smoking\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Stop smoking<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">One of the most impactful choices you can make to promote healthy ageing \u2013 and healthy living at any age \u2013 is to quit smoking.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">After the age of 35-40, a year of smoking <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/ash.org.uk\/resources\/view\/stopping-smoking\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">reduces a person\u2019s lifespan<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> by approximately 3 months. Smoking is an established mortality risk, increasing the chance of death from all causes, and is linked to the development of over 50 health conditions. Not only is smoking one of the biggest causes of death and illness in the UK but it is specifically linked to lower well-being for older adults, with current smokers experiencing <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4339610\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">higher rates of depression<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> than ex-smokers or those who have never smoked.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Quitting smoking can be a challenge when done on willpower alone, but help is available. Reach out to your GP for more advice on how to quit successfully, or check out <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/better-health\/quit-smoking\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">NHS Smokefree<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> for more information.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Eat_a_varied_healthy_diet_that_promotes_longevity\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Eat a varied, healthy diet that promotes longevity\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">It\u2019s no secret that the food we eat has a huge impact on our overall health, and it can also work to promote \u2013 our limit \u2013 our longevity.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Eating healthily to promote ageing well doesn\u2019t need to be overly restrictive, either in terms of caloric intake or the omission of specific foods. Rather, focus on creating colour and variety in your meals, and eating regularly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Research suggests it can be beneficial for longevity to base your diet around the following food types:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Fruits and vegetables<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Whole grains\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Nuts<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Legumes<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Fish<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">White meat<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Eggs and dairy products\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">And limit consumption of the following food types:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Processed meat<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Red meat<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Refined grains<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 300;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Sugar-sweetened beverages<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">A Mediterranean diet, high in fruits and vegetables, whole grains, pulses, and healthy fats, remains a great dietary option for many people. The \u201cdiet\u201d (which focuses on an <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">overall style of eating without restricting food groups entirely) has been shown to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC5352455\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">protect against various cancers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> and cardiovascular disease while improving longevity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Other diets, including those that feature caloric restriction, intermittent fasting (IF), or periodic fasting (PF) have been shown to have a positive effect on lifespan extension in animal studies. More research is needed to establish whether these eating patterns show the same effects in humans.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stay_physically_active_%E2%80%93_or_create_new_opportunities_for_movement\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Stay physically active \u2013 or create new opportunities for movement<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Being physically active is a crucial factor in ageing well, and a habit that is well worth establishing early.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Staying active can lower our risk of heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer,\u00a0 boost self-esteem and overall well-being, improve sleep, and increase energy. Moderate to vigorous physical activity has the wide-reaching benefit of improving cardiovascular health, improving the body\u2019s ability to circulate blood and supply muscles with oxygen. The best way to assess cardiovascular fitness and aerobic endurance is through a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/services\/vo2max\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">VO2 Max test<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">. Not only is the VO2 Max the gold standard measurement of aerobic fitness, but it\u2019s also a metric that has been closely linked to longevity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/psycnet.apa.org\/record\/2012-16539-003\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Physical activity in older adults<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> is linked to independent living, access to social support, improved immunity, and resistance to illness. If you\u2019re already active, then maintaining this is one of the best things you can do to maintain mobility and independence. If you\u2019re not active, then creating new opportunities for movement \u2013 even if that\u2019s as small as a short walk or time spent stretching \u2013 can help pave the way to a healthier future.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Keep_your_brain_active\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Keep your brain active<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Just as staying physically active is important to healthy ageing, so is staying mentally active. Cognitive stimulation plays an important role in staying sharp as we age, as cognitive decline becomes more likely. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/pmc\/articles\/PMC4906299\/#:~:text=\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Cognitive decline<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> can involve changes to working memory, decision-making, processing speed, and executive function, and have a significant negative impact on quality of life in later years.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Taking care of our physical health can help to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nia.nih.gov\/health\/brain-health\/cognitive-health-and-older-adults\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">prevent cognitive decline<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">, as can engaging in intellectually stimulating activities, maintaining social connections, and learning new things. The phrase \u201cuse it or lose it\u201d applies to our cognitive capacities as well as muscles! From engaging in meaningful activities or hobbies, volunteering, or spending time with others, to completing brainteasers or puzzles, reading, or learning a new skill or language, there are endless ways to stay active and engaged as we age.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Reduce_alcohol_consumption\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Reduce alcohol consumption\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">The effects, benefits, and risks of alcohol consumption are heavily researched. Research consistently finds that heavy alcohol consumption is linked to a higher risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD). However, there is wide debate over the effects of moderate alcohol consumption, with some studies suggesting moderate consumption might even be <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">beneficial <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">to our health and longevity.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Dr. Peter Attia recently drew attention to this topic, highlighting the role <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/peterattiamd.com\/alchohol-intake-and-cardiovascular-disease-risk\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">reduction of alcohol consumption<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> can play for cardiovascular health. A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jamanetworkopen\/fullarticle\/2790520\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">cohort study of 371,463 individuals<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> found that all levels of alcohol consumption had a negative impact on cardiovascular health and that this was a linear relationship that saw heavier alcohol consumption linked to a higher risk of CVD. This means that any reduction in alcohol consumption has the potential to be beneficial for our health, whether or not total abstinence is the goal. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Stay_well_hydrated\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Stay well hydrated<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Staying hydrated might sound obvious as a healthy habit, but it\u2019s estimated that only 53% of the UK population is optimally hydrating each day! Dehydration can lead to serious health outcomes and can be exacerbated in the elderly.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">A <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.thelancet.com\/journals\/ebiom\/article\/PIIS2352-3964(22)00586-2\/fulltext\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">2023 study<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> found that dehydration \u2013 leading to increased serum sodium \u2013 was associated with increased biological age, the development of chronic disease, and death at a younger age. To stay well hydrated, aim to drink 6-8 glasses of plain water per day. The <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nhs.uk\/live-well\/eat-well\/food-guidelines-and-food-labels\/water-drinks-nutrition\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">NHS<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> notes that lower-fat milk and sugar-free drinks can also be good options for staying hydrated.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Make_sleep_a_priority\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Make sleep a priority\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Sleep is essential for bodily growth, healing, and repair. As we age, sleep can become harder to come by \u2013 sometimes due to pain, nausea, medication, or an existing sleep disorder, and sometimes for no discernible reason. Our circadian rhythms can change with age, and insufficient exposure to daylight can exacerbate this. Poor sleep is linked to a variety of negative health outcomes in older age and can contribute to cognitive decline.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Sticking to a regular sleep schedule and setting yourself up for quality, restorative sleep can help to minimise the negative impact of ageing on your sleep. Identifying any root causes of sleep difficulties (such as pain, insomnia, stress, or sleep apnea) can help tackle these head on. Maintain social connections\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Take_care_of_your_mental_health\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Take care of your mental health\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Around <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.who.int\/news-room\/fact-sheets\/detail\/mental-health-of-older-adults\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">14% of adults over 60 live with at least one mental health condition<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">, with anxiety and depression being the most common. Taking care of our mental health is a key part of ageing well, and there are a variety of ways to do so. Managing stress, maintaining social connections, engaging in meaningful activities, getting time outside in nature, and staying active are all great ways to prioritise taking care of our mental health.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Many of the healthy habits on our list have intersecting effects and benefits. For example, maintaining mobility can open up avenues for greater social interaction and independence, and have a positive knock-on effect on mental health. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_else_can_we_do\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">What else can we do?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">In his book, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/peterattiamd.com\/outlive\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Outlive: The Science and Art of Longevity<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">, Dr. Peter Attia addresses the \u20184 horsemen of chronic disease\u2019\u2019 \u2013 cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and dementia (and other neurodegenerative diseases). These four disease areas account for 80% of deaths in non-smokers over the age of 50, and working to prevent them is one of the best actions we can take to live well for longer.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Many of the healthy ageing tips shown in this article will help to reduce the incidence of these diseases or protect from them, but Dr. Attia advocates there is nothing that can substitute getting tested.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Knowing your risk factors and addressing them is hugely important. This means knowing your cholesterol figures, and getting appropriate treatment if necessary to manage this, knowing your blood sugars and managing this with lifestyle before it becomes an issue, knowing your body composition and muscle mass and working to build these into the most health-promoting composition for you, and where there is known incidence of cancer in the family, getting early screening for this.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">This knowledge, arising from <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/services\/outlive-your-years\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">regular testing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">, will ensure that you are on the best path to ageing well.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"i\"><\/span>\u00a0<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ready_to_outlive_your_years\"><\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 500;\">Ready to outlive your years?<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/03\/shutterstock_1864631416.jpg&#8221; alt=&#8221;A mature black woman smiles into the camera. Her grey hair is pulled back from her face, and she is wearing a black, turtleneck sweater. She stands in front of a blurred, urban background. &#8221; title_text=&#8221;shutterstock_1864631416&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Hopefully, the recommendations in this article have offered some insights into the actions you can take to promote ageing well. If you\u2019re looking for more personalised information to help you live longer and healthier, then <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">health and fitness testing<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> can help to check you\u2019re on the right track.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Here at My Vital Metrics, our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/services\/outlive-your-years\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">Outlive Your Years Bundle<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\"> is the ultimate healthy ageing package \u2013 a health MOT. Inspired by the work of the physician and best-selling author Dr. Peter Attia, our curated selection of tests is a comprehensive health and fitness checkup designed to give you the information you need to keep you living well for longer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">To find out more, or to schedule a free health and fitness consultation, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">reach out to My Vital Metrics today<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 300;\">. <\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>As life expectancy increases, many of us are living longer \u2013 but are we living healthier? There are over 11 million people in the UK aged 65 and over \u2013 19% of the overall population. As the average age of the population increases, it\u2019s never been more important to understand what helps us not only [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":8,"featured_media":801365,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[32,59,55,31],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-801362","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-fitlife","category-health-and-fitness-testing","category-health-and-longevity","category-science"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/801362","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/8"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=801362"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/801362\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/801365"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=801362"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=801362"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myvitalmetrics.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=801362"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}