5 Pillars of Healthy Ageing

Ever noticed how some people seem to embrace their age with grace, while others struggle?

Does running circles around your grandkids at the park sound like a fantasy?

Well...It doesn't have to be.... 

The secret isn't in some magical cream or miracle diet.

In fact, there are no "secrets" or tricks.... There are five essentials you must take care of.

We’ve condensed thousands of pages from online articles, podcasts, journals, blogs, whitepapers,

and put together information that'll help you start healthy ageing right from today.

Let's get into that.

Wait. Here's Some Data You Must Look At.

India ranks 123rd globally in life expectancy, with an average of 72.24 years.

Even our neighbours like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Afghanistan are ahead of us.

What's concerns us more is,

We only live "healthy" for 58 years, and we spend the rest of our years travelling to the doctor and back.

The good news? Much of how we age is within our control.

Ageing is natural, and when approached the right way, it can be something to embrace, not worry about.

If you're in your 20s, congratulations! You've got a head start. Every effort you put in, is an investment. It compounds and gives you MASSIVE returns.

Imagine being 70 and beating people in 5k runs. That's what we're talking about.

For those in your 30s, it's time to get serious. Your body's still forgiving, but it's starting to keep score.

The habits you form now will shape your health for your whole life.

Start today. Your future self will thank you.

And if you're 40, 50, or beyond? It's never too late to start.

Remember, the best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago.

The second best time?

Right now.

So let's see what you have to do.

1. Exercise 

Remember when climbing stairs didn't make you feel like the world is ending?

Let's get back there.

Why It Matters

Regular physical activity is crucial for maintaining muscle mass, bone density, and cardiovascular health. All of which tend to decline with age. It also boosts mood and cognitive function, keeping you sharp and cheerful.

Regular exercise helps you maintain your muscles, bones and cardiovascular health.

All three decline with age, and the EASIEST way to keep them strong is to move around and exercise.

BONUS - Exercise also makes you smarter and happier.

The Sedentary Trap

Many of us have become "Chairpersons of India", spending hours glued to our seats.

This sedentary lifestyle increases the risk of obesity, cardiovascular disease,

and without any doubt...Type 2 diabetes.

What to do?

  • Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week
  • Include strength training exercises at least twice a week
  • Choose activities you enjoy, whether it's walking, swimming, or dancing

Beginner's Tip: Start with a 10-minute walk after each meal. It aids digestion and gets you moving without overwhelming you.

Oh, it also helps you avoid that “post-lunch slump”

By the way, don't think you need to become a gym rat overnight and live in the gym.

Small, consistent movements throughout the day will make a big difference.  

2. Nutrition 

You need to take care of nutrition as you age. That doesn't mean eating bland, tasteless food for the rest of your life.

Why It Matters

Proper nutrition will keep you strong, improve your brain health and immunity.

Keep in mind. It's not about living longer. It's about living better.

The Protein Problem

Here's a startling fact. More than 80% of Indians are protein deficient.

That's right, we're ROBBING our bodies of this crucial nutrient.

Protein repairs cells, maintains muscle mass, and keeps you healthy as you age.

Action Steps:

  • Aim for 1-1.6g of protein per kg of body weight daily
  • Include protein in every meal
  • Choose complete proteins when possible (e.g., eggs, meat, quinoa)

Here's a quick tip. Start your day with a protein-rich breakfast.

Add protein to your favourite meals,

instead of following some “influencer approved” exotic meal plan.

The Calorie Confusion

Not all calories are created equal. Let's look at a quick comparison:

Snack

Calories

Protein

Fibre

10 potato chips

100

1.1g

0g

1 medium apple

100

0.4g

5.8g

The apple here provides more nutrients and keeps you fuller for longer. But, it has the same calories.

Your daily calorie limit is a budget. You'll hit your goals if you spend it smart.

A common mistake people make is only counting calories.

It's important, especially if you're trying to gain or lose weight. But, don't forget the nutritional value of your food choices.

A calorie deficit without enough protein and fats will trigger all alarms in your body.

3. Sleep 

So many of us treat sleep like it's optional, like those "terms and conditions" we never read.

It's time to change that!

Why It Matters

No matter how stressed or tired you are, sleeping helps you “reset” a lot of things.  It helps your muscles recover, your mind refresh, and your cells regenerate.

The Great Indian Sleep Deprivation

Studies say poor sleep quality and irregular sleep increase blood markers of ageing. .

Yet, many of us wear our sleep deprivation as a badge of honour with pride.

Action Steps:

Here's a quick tip. Start a relaxing bedtime routine. Try journaling for 15 minutes before bed while listening to calming music.

It helps your brain develop a pattern and send signals to your cells that say "time to sleep"

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don't use electronic devices at least an hour before bedtime. The blue light can disrupt your sleep cycle.

4. Mental Health 

Like our bodies and our tastes in music, our brains age too.

Keeping it sharp involves more than just reading a book here and there.

Why It Matters

Good mental health help with physical health, quality of life,

And most important. It reduces the risk of cognitive decline like Alzheimer's and Schizophrenia.

The Stress Express

We've created a culture where being stressed is seen as a status symbol, as if burning out means you're climbing higher.

But chronic stress will make you age faster and also destroy your health.

Action Steps:

  • Take up a new hobby, channelize your stress through a medium that brings you joy.
  • Engage in brain-stimulating activities: Join a book club or try solving sudoku.

Beginner's Tip: Start with a 5-minute daily meditation practice. There are plenty of free apps to guide you.

Using certain breathing techniques will also reduce stress. Practise long inhales and long exhales.

Don't underestimate the power of a short walk to clear your head.

You don’t need a destination, you don’t need company. Let your body run on autopilot for a short while!

5. Community 

There's no doubt that we are all social creatures. Maintaining strong social connections is vital for healthy ageing.

Why It Matters

Strong social ties will reduce depression, improve brain health and lifespan.

The Doom Scroll Epidemic

Ask yourself: Would you rather spend time alone with your phone or in the company of your loved ones?

Your actions speak louder than words, defining who you are and what you value.

What do you do with your free time?

If you find yourself scrolling on your phone,

than engaging in real-world interactions, you're not alone. See how you could stop doomscrolling.

Action Steps:

  • Use apps and social media to find local meetups or groups that share your interests. Look for in-person interactions and meetups.
  • Start a monthly dinner routine with friends.
  • Play cricket with your neighbours on weekends.
  • Help out at local NGOs, mentor others in your field, and contribute to community projects.
  • Reach out to one person you haven't spoken to in a while. A simple phone call can reignite a connection.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don't assume social media connections are enough.

Strive for meaningful, in-person interactions. Your mind, body, and future self will thank you for it.

Wrapping Up: Your Journey to Healthy Ageing Starts Now

By focusing on these five pillars, you're not only adding years to your life, but also "life" to your years.

Start small. Pick one area you'd like to improve and take a single step today.

Could be going on a 10-minute walk, or calling an old friend.

Whatever it is, know that you're on the path to a healthier, more fulfilling future.

So. What Now?

Ageing is not “you vs time”.

It’s about embracing it….On your terms!

And that’s why we want you to join our community at The Oak Age. 

Think about it.. A group full of people like you, who are on a mission to make all their years count. 

Oh and there are also some sweet benefits, like…

  • Exclusive access to our biological age tool
  • Challenges, and exclusive travel rewards to winners
  • Easy, actionable healthy ageing tips
  • Influence your circle and earn referral rewards

When you join us, you’re getting more than advice. 

You’re stepping into an ecosystem designed to help you live better,

with practical benefits that actually make a difference.

JOIN OUR COMMUNITY HERE

The Oak Age's Mission

The Oak Age was born from a deeply personal mission. 

I watched my own loved ones, including my wife and mom, struggle with everything from osteoporosis to IBS, blood pressure and cancer. 

At a point of feeling restless, I decided I could not do nothing about everything that was going on around me.

This was when in 2021, I decided to study ageing, never with the intention of eventually launching a healthy ageing brand. 

As someone invested in my own fitness since I was 32 (yes, that's late, but I'm proud I started), I've made it my everyday mission to push my loved ones towards healthier choices.

 I've advised, encouraged, and sometimes even yelled to convince dozens of friends and family members to start taking proteins, join a gym, do regular blood tests, switch to maida-less food, and much more. 

In 2022, I decided to take this mission further and gave it a name. 

“The Oak Age".

If you’d like to know more about The Oak Age and Why we exist, feel free to read more here insert link to the about us page for interlinking purposes

Talk soon,

K.S

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