Healthy Ageing
WHO defines Healthy Ageing “as the process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables wellbeing in older age”. And we have conformed our definition to looking beautiful, being wrinkle free with glowing skin and absence of grey hair. This article looks at ageing in its real sense that is far more complex with physical, mental, social welfare enabling ageing population with vitality and improved quality of life.
Age targeted products, different commercials, societal labels have led to many different notions people have related to ageing. Some might feel 40 is the new 30 or some might just start adapting anti-ageing fads. One is made to believe that ageing starts once one reaches the 60’s or 70’s but one fails to acknowledge the fact that ageing starts the very moment we are conceived. The choices we make or the steps we take every single day of our lives shapes up our future self.
Ageing with itself bring about several chronic disorders like diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and cancer. Everyone wants an opportunity to live a healthy and long life with the prime goal of maintaining functional ability so as to enjoy the state of independence at least physically. Increased awareness regarding the healthy ageing/ active ageing concept has caused many people to take a pause and rethink decisions of today to have an enhanced quality of life tomorrow.
But what is the first step an individual can take? Is the step a static defined step that applies to all individuals? Or can the steps be tailor made for a particular individual?
The answer to all the above questions and to the secret of healthy ageing lies in the art of sustainable behaviour change that can be achieved by Health and Wellness Coaching. The concept of Health and wellness coaching enables an individual to first understand where they are and how have they reached there with respect to their personal health and wellness goals. Following which your personal health and wellness coach empowers you to take accountability of your own health and bring about sustainable behavioural changes so as to assist you in achieving improved health outcomes and enhanced quality of life.
Coaching can help you to take appropriate steps for preventive healthcare by increasing your awareness and initiating good health. During the ageing process in addition to the physical changes that occur, an individual goes through transformations in his other wellness dimensions too, be it emotional, social, spiritual, occupational or environmental. A coach helps you with skills and techniques that can be utilised to reap maximum benefits.
Other things that can help an individual age healthily and gracefully are: Being more mindful of every action one take, getting involved in activities that makes one feel included socially, adapting a healthier diet and nutrition program for self and family, cultivating newer relationships and preserving older ones, reducing stress by letting go of the past and planning better for the future.
It is easier said than done but being kind to self and having a purpose makes the journey of ageing easier and fruitful. And for when you need support in this process of change you can always opt for a Personal Health and Wellness coach. Weljii can help you.