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Is everything you know about ageing wrong?

It is inevitable that we will lose functional abilities as we get older. What is not true, however, is that most of these things happen at a specific age. Actually, evidence suggests this can be as early as 42 or as late as 100! Despite what many think, it is possible for most older people to recover their ability under the right circumstances.

The World Health Organisation describes healthy ageing as 'the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age. Functional ability is about having the capabilities that enable all people to be and do what they have reason to value.' This includes what we describe as activities of daily living (daily tasks). These arethe things we all do regularly, often multiple times a day. We have also learned that having more better years doesn't typically lead to a significant increase in life expectancy. Instead, it provides improved healthspan rather than lifespan. We call this concept the Compression of Functional Decline. We believe that many, if not most, older people would actively manage how they are functionally ageing if only they knew how. Opinions from friends and family are typically not a safe and reliable source of information. That's why we have spent 20 years working with expert Professionals to build a system that provides trustworthy healthy ageing advice.

Myth

There's nothing you can do that's going to make a real difference to how you age; it all depends on your parents and your circumstances.

Reality

It's true that some of how you age is genetic (roughly 25% from your biological mother). It is also true that your circumstances may affect the options open to you. However, people from all backgrounds have managed to find ways of doing the things they need to so they can keep doing the things they want to do. There are some excellent examples on the internet and social media (and lots of rubbish), so look for trustworthy sites from recognised organisations – and check what they say with other sources. Download our LifeCurve™ app and access expert-curated personalised advice to help you and your loved ones or clients enjoy more better years.

Myth

As long as you move around a bit, there's no need to exercise as you get older.

Reality

It's true that you don't have to be a keen and active runner, cyclist, dancer or swimmer to age well (although all of these groups, on average, age very well). However, if you want to age well, you need to maintain cardio-respiratory (heart) fitness and some muscle strength, which requires a bit of work. It's important to achieve 150 intensity minutes, (moderate or vigorous) a week in sessions at least 10 minutes long. Providing it's safe, it doesn't matter what type of exercise you do. You should not be able to sing while doing moderate-intensity exercise nor hold a long conversation while doing vigorous minutes. Each vigorous minute counts as 2 of your weekly 150! If you want to be more accurate, why not ask for a simple tracking watch as a present – or buy your own?

Also, doing a few tasks (or exercises) that strengthen your core and upper and lower body muscles is essential. Do this 2-3 times a week to maintain the ability to do the activities that you value. They will also keep you able to do the activities that keep you independent. The great news from a large collection of academic studies is that if you do this, you will be at much lower risk of many common health problems experienced in older age. Of course, this doesn't have to be exercising in the gym - or with others (though that's fine if you like that). Just find the things you enjoy doing that include your intensity minutes and strength exercises. You can also use suitable technology items to help with daily tasks and/or reduce risk.