Aging is often viewed as an inevitable decline in health. However, the reality is far more complex. We are increasingly understanding how the choices we make today and the conditions we experience throughout our lives shape our health outcomes in the future. While the risk of developing age-related diseases such as dementia, frailty, and other comorbidities appears to rise with age, the trajectory of these risks is also influenced by our health habits which impact our longevity.
So the goal isn’t just about living longer, it is about living better and in good health as we age.
The Importance of Proactive Intervention
A recent study on longevity published in the JAMA Network revealed Australia to have the second-largest healthspan-lifespan gap (12.1 years) among 183 World Health Organisation member states, exceeding the global average of 9.6 years. This gap refers to the difference between a person’s total lifespan (how long they live) and their healthspan (the years they live in good health, free from serious illness or disability). What this means is that many Australians spend over a decade with a disease or disability, underscoring the need for proactive detection and management of conditions as we age.
The Life Course Approach, as advocated in an article by The Lancet on healthy longevity, emphasises reducing age-related disease risk early through proactive interventions. The article highlights how modifiable risk factors can emerge at every stage of our lives, and it is within our power to address these factors proactively through targeted interventions. This aligns closely with our ethos at Ford Health.
For example, regular physical activity and a healthy diet rich in nutrients can help prevent the onset of many age-related diseases, such as osteoporosis, heart disease, and dementia. Furthermore, staying socially connected and engaged has been shown to protect against cognitive decline and improve overall life satisfaction.
Too often, people take a reactive approach in managing their health, seeking solutions only when problems arise, but the key to longevity highlighted throughout these studies lies in prevention to proactively address risk factors early, foster healthier environments, and promote better health habits.
The Role of Yearly Comprehensive Health Assessments
One of the most effective ways to promote healthy aging is through annual, comprehensive health assessments. These evaluations are designed to detect emerging health risks early, before they develop into more serious conditions, allowing individuals to make timely lifestyle and medical adjustments.
While annual health assessments provide a valuable opportunity for healthcare professionals to monitor physical health and address concerns like high blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol levels, it is equally important to focus on other essential aspects of wellbeing.
This could include a deeper exploration of one’s mental health, support networks, and relationships to enhance resilience. By looking beyond just the physical, it’s crucial to consider how these other aspects of wellbeing influence longevity and, more importantly, impact one’s overall quality of life.
Assessments that incorporate evidence-based testing, early risk factor identification, individualised management, and tailored advice with measurable progress will help to support long-term goal-setting across key areas of wellbeing. After all, healthy aging isn’t just about waiting for old age to arrive; it’s about building a foundation of health that lasts throughout our lives so that we can enjoy the later years with vitality, independence, and confidence.
Our Approach
At Ford Health, we empower busy executives to proactively take charge of their health, enabling them to show up better today and well into the future.
Our Complete Wellbeing philosophy adopts a holistic approach, recognising that the choices we make today shape our future health outcomes and longevity. By addressing all aspects of your wellbeing, our programs offer personalised strategies tailored to your life stage, unique circumstances, and risk profile. With ongoing support, recurring assessments, and wellbeing coaching, we help you identify modifiable risk factors and take actionable steps to improve both your immediate and long-term health.
To set the stage for healthy longevity in your busy life, please reach out to our team via https://fordhealth.com.au/contact-us/ and follow us on LinkedIn!
