Promoting healthy aging through lifestyle changes: the plausibility and evidence-based recommendations

ABSTRACT

Through the advances in public health, most humans on earth are now assured to live to at least 60 years, regardless of their geographical location and socioeconomic status. Between 2015 and 2050, the proportion of the world's population 60 years and above will be expected to increase from 900 million to 2.1 billion, while the average global life expectancy will be expected to increase by additional 10 years. Experts have ascribed this development as the most significant social transformation of the 21st century. However, although the world may have successfully learned how to live longer, it has not necessarily learned how to live healthier. In most situations, old age is associated with significant loss of physical and mental functionalities, increased risk of developing multiple diseases (including COVID-19), and reduced quality of life. This association has been described as the most important global public health challenge of the 21st century. The objective of this article is to investigate the scientific plausibility of slowing down the aging process and to identify evidence-based strategies of achieving healthy aging. A review of related online free-full articles written in the English language published from 2000 to 2021 was done. It was noticed that the pace and quality of aging can be significantly influenced by controlling the lifestyle determinants of aging. Although the science of healthy aging is still evolving, there is enough evidence for healthcare professionals to recommend evidence-based strategies for achieving healthy aging to the public and policymakers.