The World Health Organisation (WHO) says that “every person – in every country on the planet – should be able to live a long and healthy life.” However, the environments in which we live can either benefit or harm our health. Environments have a significant impact on our behaviour and our exposure to health risks (such as air pollution or violence), our access to services (such as health and social care), and the opportunities that come with ageing.
As per the data available with WHO, the population’s number and proportion of people aged 60 and up is growing. In 2019, there were 1 billion people aged 60 and older. This figure is expected to rise to 1.4 billion by 2030 and 2.1 billion by 2050. This rise is occurring at an unprecedented rate and is expected to accelerate in the coming decades, particularly in developing countries.
This historically significant shift in global population necessitates changes in the way societies are structured across all sectors. Health and social care, transportation, housing, and urban planning are a few examples. Making the world more age-friendly is an important and pressing aspect of our changing demographics.
The Impact Of Ageing – Can One Combat Ageism?
Ageing brings with it both challenges and opportunities. It increases demand for primary health care and long-term care, necessitates a larger and better-trained workforce, emphasises the need for age-friendly physical and social environments, and calls for everyone in every sector to combat ageism. However, these investments can enable older people to make a variety of contributions, whether within their family, to their local community (e.g., as volunteers or in the formal or informal workforce), or to society as a whole.
Societies that adapt to this changing demographic and invest in healthy ageing can help individuals live longer and healthier lives while also benefiting society.
What Does The Expert Suggest – Tips For A Healthier Lifestyle For People Over 50
“At over 50, you have to ensure that your body receives the proper nourishment for optimal health as you age, you just need to be aware of your own unique nutritional demands and make appropriate food adjustments,” says Harleen Gulati, Founder of Selfpledge. She further elaborates on the tips and health checks that one can follow to live a healthier and longer life:
Check For High BP: High blood pressure can become a problem after the age of 50. Reducing your intake of table salt is a step toward a heart-healthy diet. Use fresh herbs, lemon, paprika, pepper, garlic, onion, and pepper powder instead. You can cook with a variety of sodium-free and low-sodium substitutes that add a lot of flavour with little to no salt. Making meals at home with fresh ingredients is the simplest way to keep salt intake under control.
Ensure Intake Of Vitamin D & Calcium: Consume vitamin D and calcium-rich foods. Eating a well-balanced diet is the most effective way to ensure adequate calcium and vitamin D intake. The best calcium sources are dairy products, almonds, broccoli, kale, and salmon. The best sources of vitamin D are oily fish, egg yolks, milk, and yoghurt.
Mediterranean Diet Can Be Beneficial: You can try a Mediterranean diet. This heart-healthy diet encourages the consumption of fish, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and whole grains. It doesn’t have a lot of dairy, meat, or sugar. Consume more organic foods. Eating foods that are as close to their natural state as possible, such as fresh fruits and vegetables, and foods that have been processed as little as possible, such as whole grains.
Drink Plenty Of Water: Increase your water intake. Water is effective at removing toxins. Staying hydrated will give you more energy.
Exercising On A Regular Basis: Begin exercising for 20 to 30 minutes every day. Walking is one of the most basic exercises.
Reduce Sugar Consumption: Limit your consumption of soft drinks, sugar, and sweets because they may be high in calories but low in nutrition.
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Calculate Your Body Mass Index ( BMI )