The Billion-Dollar Question: Strategies for Successful and Healthy Ageing
Managing ageing is a million-dollar question. Actually, considering our aged care system puts a huge financial strain on the Australian Government ($36.4 billion in 2023-2024 to be exact), it is literally a billion-dollar question.
But for individuals, the question is personal: How can we manage healthy ageing to maintain function and quality of life? And is it even possible? The short answer is yes, if we focus on the right pillars.
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So how can we manage ageing to maintain function and quality of life? And is it even possible?
Physical Activity is Critical for Healthy Ageing
Physical activity matters A LOT. A major study looked at 8 ageing cohorts of 130,521 older adults for up to 10 years. The results showed that physical activity is directly correlated to healthy ageing, reducing the decline in health and functioning.
Conversely, those who are physically inactive are more likely to experience faster health decline as they age. Movement isn’t just about fitness; it’s about preservation.
How Everyday Habits Define Healthy Ageing
Our everyday life defines our health. While it can seem like a lot to manage, integrated lifestyle interventions (diet, exercise, mental/social health) and preventive healthcare significantly improve major health outcomes in adults.
To promote healthy ageing, focus on these essentials:
Diet: Consuming antioxidant-rich foods and enough protein.
Mental Health: Cognitive exercises and mindfulness.
Connection: Supportive friendships and community involvement.
Rest: Maintaining 7-8 hours of sleep.
Prevention: Routine health check-ups and smoking cessation.
Interestingly, moderate alcohol intake was unexpectedly linked to better liver function in some studies, showing that balance is key.
Purpose in life makes a difference.
A systematic review looked at whether “purposeful living” affects wellbeing and quality of life.
The review compared 2 different types of activities. Meaningful activities (volunteering) vs skill-building activities (learning new skills).
Meaningful activity showed the most benefits including reported better health, greater life satisfaction, and improved well-being. Interesting point to note, the reasoning behind why people volunteer also mattered. Volunteering with a desire to help others was linked to better health and even lower mortality risk, while volunteering for self-focused reasons showed fewer health benefits.
Simple way to put it, to look after your future self, eat well, move well, have a purpose in life, ideally a purpose that is bigger than yourself.
If you’re noticing reduced mobility or want to stay active as you age, contact KHY Physio to book an assessment and get tailored support to keep you moving well.
