Eat well. Stay active. Get enough sleep. We’ve heard the advice for years, but a global panel of ageing experts says those healthy habits are only part of the picture – and the real secret to ageing well may be far simpler.
Ask almost anyone how to age well and you’ll probably hear the same advice. Eat well. Exercise regularly. Get enough sleep. See your doctor.
Few would argue with any of that.
But after speaking with experts from around the world, researchers from the Global Wellness Institute uncovered something they weren’t expecting. When asked what ageing well really means, very few experts began by talking about diets, fitness programs or the latest medical breakthroughs and instead, they kept returning to something far more personal: having purpose, staying connected, feeling useful and waking up each day with something to look forward to.
It’s a simple idea, but one that feels particularly relevant as Australians are living longer than ever before.
Again and again, the discussion came back to one message. Ageing well isn’t about slowing down, it’s about continuing to participate in life.
That might mean travelling somewhere you’ve always wanted to visit, mentoring a younger colleague, joining a walking group, volunteering, learning a new skill or simply making plans with friends next week.
The experts argued that independence shouldn’t only be measured by whether someone can stay in their own home. Real independence is having the confidence, opportunity and support to keep doing things that bring enjoyment and meaning.
Another theme that stood out wasn’t about older people at all and focused on younger generations.
Speakers pointed to programs in countries including Japan and Singapore that are encouraging older adults to remain active members of their communities. Some work as local guides or mentors, while others share accommodation with university students, creating friendships that benefit both generations.
Rather than viewing older Australians as people who need looking after, the experts suggested it’s time to recognise what they still have to offer – decades of experience, practical knowledge and perspective that younger generations often crave.
The discussion didn’t stop at diet, exercise or medical care and as the webinar moved into audience questions, participants shifted the conversation towards some of the less tangible aspects of growing older. They wanted to know how society could better recognise the wisdom that comes with age, whether multi-generational living should play a bigger role, and how people can prepare emotionally – not just financially or physically – for later life. Others asked about spirituality, purpose and passing knowledge on to future generations.
In wrapping up the discussion, Global Wellness Institute Aging Well Initiative chair William Myers reflected on what had stood out most.
Despite spending much of their professional lives working with healthcare, wellness, technology and ageing, he noted that very few of the experts interviewed began there.
Instead, they spoke about purpose, belonging, contribution, autonomy and staying engaged with life. The products, services and innovations, he said, are important, but they are the tools – not the destination. Ultimately, ageing well is “a human challenge”.
Check out Nobody Told Desire It Had To Retire
Comments 0
Join the conversation. Comments are reviewed before they appear.
Be the first to comment.
Join the conversation
Tell us who you are to post a comment. We'll remember you next time.