Healthy Ageing Starts Earlier Than You Think: Here’s Why Experts Say It Matters

Many people associate ageing with retirement or old age, but health experts say the process begins much earlier.

The physical, mental, and emotional well-being people experience later in life often reflects the habits they develop during their younger years.

According to Dr Brijesh Singh from the Department of Yoga and Meditation at KJ Somaiya Institute of Dharma Studies, healthy ageing should not be viewed as a concern reserved for older adults.

Instead, daily lifestyle decisions influence healthy ageing throughout a person’s life, making it a lifelong journey.

Modern lifestyles frequently encourage productivity over balance, causing many people to overlook their well-being until health concerns emerge.

Joint pain, poor sleep, high blood pressure, and persistent fatigue often serve as reminders of years of neglected self-care.

Experts note that ageing occurs gradually through accumulated habits, including physical inactivity, chronic stress, inadequate sleep, and unhealthy eating patterns.

From a yogic perspective, healthy ageing focuses on maintaining vitality, independence, and overall well-being rather than simply extending lifespan.

Dr Singh explained that regular practice of yoga postures, mobility exercises, and micro-practices can improve flexibility, muscle strength, balance, and joint function.

Over time, these benefits may help reduce the risk of falls, musculoskeletal issues, and loss of independence in older age.

Dr Brijesh Singh added that breathing techniques such as pranayama can support cardiovascular health, improve respiratory efficiency, and strengthen resilience.

Experts also highlight the impact of stress on healthy ageing.

Prolonged stress can affect sleep, metabolism, hormonal balance and mental health. It can also increase the likelihood of conditions such as obesity, hypertension, diabetes, anxiety and depression.

Yoga-based practices, including meditation, mindfulness, relaxation techniques, and conscious breathing, can help individuals manage stress more effectively and improve emotional stability.

Health specialists emphasise that healthy ageing begins with everyday decisions. They encourage people to maintain a balanced diet, stay physically active and prioritise adequate sleep. They also stress the importance of nurturing emotional well-being.

Rather than focusing on age itself, experts encourage people to invest in habits today that support a healthier and more fulfilling future.

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