Health professionals, policy makers and individuals can potentially improve the chances of having a healthier life by addressing the complex interactions between genetics, development, and life events and lifestyles. Life expectancy at birth is the average number of years that would be lived by babies born in a given time period if mortality levels at each age remain constant. Similarly, life expectancy at age 65 is the average number of remaining years of life that a man or woman aged 65 will have if mortality levels at each age over 65 remain constant.
Frequent and routine exercise everyday will boost your immune system. Also, exercise helps to prevent diseases of affluence” such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes and obesity. Remember that your physical health can also affect your mental wellness. Physical activity also improves your mental outlook and may prevent anxiety and depression.
It is important to remain active as you age. For active ageing you should try to do at least 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most, preferably all, days to help keep your heart, lungs, muscles and bones working well. It’s a good idea to do a range of activities that help with fitness, strength, flexibility and balance.
Choosing whole foods and cooking from scratch is a much healthier way to eat than buying pre-packaged or ready-meals which are high in fat and salt but very low in nutrients. To make sure you’re getting a variety of nutrients, vitamins and minerals into your body every day – a quick rule of thumb is to pick a variety of colours for your meals. Be the artist of your meals and paint a colour picture with a variety of yellow, red and green fruits and vegetables throughout the day.
Don’t let your asthma stop you being physically active. Consider getting involved in structured exercise training, as people with asthma who participate in this sort of training feel better. If being physically active causes asthma symptoms, tell your doctor so you can get effective treatment. Advice, information and assessments offered by the Healthy Lifestyle Hub are free, some services and programmes that clients are signposted or referred on to for further support may have a charge.