What changes should be made in everyday routine to live a healthy life?

A healthy lifestyle comprises living by the law of nature. Minor changes in one’s lifestyle like drinking plenty of water and exercising daily will contribute tremendously to a healthy living. Water saves the body from dehydrating, acts like a medicine for diseases and helps in metabolism. Regular exercise reduces the chances of obesity, improves mood and releases stress, which annihilates one’s vigour and wellbeing.

Also, add fruits to breakfast and vegetables to lunch, cut on artificially flavoured products and get sufficient sleep to bloom. Managing stress is crucial because it can lead to chronic depression and increased blood pressure. Stress speeds up the ageing process too.

Many people are concerned about ageing well. How can one age gracefully?

Many people are obsessed about ageing and resort to hair colours, Botox treatments, artificial portions and even surgeries, but it doesn’t mean looking good from outside only. It’s about being healthy from inside too. To age graciously, consume a wholesome diet, workout daily, quit smoking and have the zest to enjoy life. Spend more time with family and friends as strong social networks can make one feel happy, loved and cared for. A good sense of humour can provide relief from daily stresses and will add quality years to life. Also, accepting the fact that everyone grows old will comfort people in ageing cheerfully.

What are the natural remedies of the diseases commonly associated with ageing?

With ageing, the immune system of our bodies weakens which makes us susceptible to a number of diseases. The most common diseases which affect women in old age are osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. Osteoporosis is a medical condition in which calcium salts in bones are depleted, leaving them prone to fractures easily. Osteoporosis can cause backaches, neck pains and a stooped body posture. It is caused due to calcium and vitamin D deficiency. Natural treatment includes taking high dosages of calcium, proteins and vitamin D daily which is found abundantly in dairy products and green leafy vegetables.

Osteoarthritis is a form of arthritis in which cartilages between joints degenerate over time. The most common cause of osteoarthritis is weight gain. Avoiding junk food and regularly exercising will reduce the chances of osteoarthritis.

Diabetes is another common old age problem which can be prevented by taking a diet low in calories and saturated fat but high in fibre.

Engaging in physical activities more frequently like walking, playing and swimming will certainly help.

Some people may also suffer from heart diseases and the best way to improve the condition of the heart is to discontinue the use of tobacco, maintain an average body weight, add fruits, vegetables and omega 3 fatty acids to the diet such as soybean oil and canola oil.

How do nutritional needs change in old age?

Our nutritional requirements undoubtedly vary as we age. Seniors have different nutritional needs than teenagers and adults. Metabolism slows down in old age hence it is advisable to eat nutrient-rich foods. The digestive system changes and it gets harder for stomach to absorb folic acid and vitamin B6 and B12 therefore, taking them in greater quantity with external supplements can fulfil a person’s daily requirements. Calcium is crucial after 35 years of age as the peak bone mass (largest amount of bone tissue) of the body begins depleting and a constant supply of this mineral is needed. Proteins are equally essential, thus chicken, eggs, fish, lean meat and nuts should be eaten at least twice a week. Whole grain cereals and whole wheat bread will supply fibre to the body, help in digestion and protect the heart.

How can one feel young in old age and live life to the fullest?

Coping with the change that comes with old age like retirement, death of spouse, etc., can be overwhelming; however, one needs to accept these changes positively. Learn to love and respect yourself, engage in a hobby, spend quality time with grandchildren, appreciate Mother Nature, participate in neighbourhood activities, make new friends and laugh with them—laughter is the best remedy for any malady. One needs to be young at heart to live life to the fullest.