Lifestyle medicine is a term that describes a holistic approach to achieving graceful longevity among senior citizens, according to Dr Kobkarn Chunhasawatdikul, director of Medpark Well-Healing in Bangkok.
Graceful longevity in turn describes the maintenance of good health through a person’s entire lifespan, in a way that can retard ageing, reduce the duration of illness and support a “good death”.
Dr Kobkarn, who has spent 26 years in the field of longevity and wellness science, outlined some of the benefits of lifestyle medicine at the Bangkok Post Forum “Living Well Living Long” on Tuesday.
Thailand is officially an aged society, with just over 20% of the population aged 60 years or more. The figure is projected to reach 30% in 2033, which would classify the country as a “super-aged society”.
“We need to prepare for good health right now by understanding the quality of our health through fundamental or advanced healthcare check-ups,” said Dr Kobkarn. “Then, we must adjust our lifestyle to reduce any health risks, which can be done without expensive cost.”
There are four main non-communicable disease types that place a huge burden on health security: cardiovascular diseases, cancers, chronic respiratory diseases and diabetes.
Many cancers are caused by cellular inflammation, metabolic syndrome increases the risk of diabetes, while heavy consumption of unhealthy fats and salt is a major contributor to high blood pressure and heart disease.
Dr Kobkarn suggested that people adjust their consumption behaviour by having more nature-based foods, less sugar which is a prime contributor to cell inflammation, no unhealthy fats and limited amounts of salt. Eating enough protein to build up muscle strength is also helpful.
Importantly, she said, people should get a good sleep. Nearly half of the elderly population reports not being able to sleep well, but improving the chance of a good sleep is not hard: more exercise, less caffeine late in the day, and a last meal four hours or more before bedtime. Still looking at that glowing mobile phone screen in the dark? Turn it off.
High-quality sleep can help the body shed deteriorated cells, which in turn can prolong biological age.
“In the future, technology, science and innovation will play a significant role in longevity,” Dr Kobkarn said. “But before we get to that stage, people must educate themselves to achieve a better understanding of their health, paving the way for lifestyle medicine.”
Emotional strength, supported by good relationships, is also important for seniors, she said, as is some form of work or activity that will contribute to physical and mental strength.
As well, everyone needs self-development goals to ensure they have a purpose in life, empathy and better self-awareness.
Older people should strive to be “precious gems” who can share their experience of graceful ageing with the younger generation, said Dr Kobkarn.
