Malaika Arora, 52 years, is very particular about her fitness
Longevity is one of humanity’s greatest achievements. People are living longer than ever before, but longer lives also bring new health realities that deserve attention. As individuals age, the body undergoes gradual changes, immunity naturally weakens, and the risk of infections such as flu, shingles, and pneumonia increases. At the same time, the likelihood of developing chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer also rises. Together, these conditions can significantly affect quality of life not only for individuals, but also for their families.
Understanding age-related changes and taking proactive steps to address them is essential for healthy ageing. Dr Deepak Talwar, Senior Consultant and Chairman, Metro Respiratory Centre, Noida, shares three key priorities that every ageing adult should include in their 2026 health plan.
1. Support Your Health Through Everyday Habits
While ageing brings natural biological changes, many risk factors particularly those related to lifestyle and diet remain within our control and can strongly influence how well the body ages. Adopting healthy daily routines can help strengthen immune resilience and support overall wellbeing.
Regular physical activity plays an important role in maintaining health. Simple activities such as daily walks, yoga, dancing, or light strength training can be highly effective when practised consistently.
Nutrition is equally vital. A balanced, nutrient-rich diet supports immune function and helps the body adapt to the changing demands of ageing. Eating wholesome foods and maintaining adequate hydration are essential. Sufficient intake of key micronutrients including vitamins C and E, zinc, copper, and selenium plays an important role in supporting immune health and overall wellbeing in later years.
2. Make Timely Health Screenings a Priority
In 2026, healthcare must go beyond reactive doctor visits. Many conditions that commonly affect older adults develop silently, without early warning signs. High blood pressure often referred to as the “silent killer” is a prime example. Nearly half of all adults may be affected, yet many remain unaware until serious complications arise.
Regular health screenings are designed for individuals who feel well. They help detect conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, and high cholesterol at an early stage, when they are easier to manage and less likely to cause long-term damage. If left untreated, these conditions can lead to serious complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and vision problems.
Including routine screenings in your health plan enables early intervention, reduces the burden of treatment later in life, and supports long-term independence and quality of life.
3. Discuss Vaccination as Part of Preventive Care
As immunity declines with age, both the risk and severity of infections increase. In older adults, vaccine-preventable diseases can lead to avoidable illness, hospitalisation, and prolonged recovery. Such infections may limit mobility, disrupt daily routines, and reduce independence. Shingles, for instance, can cause severe nerve pain that may persist for months.
Infections can also worsen existing chronic medical conditions. Adults with asthma may experience more frequent or severe attacks during a flu infection, while those with heart disease may see a worsening of their symptoms.
Vaccination plays a crucial role in supporting the ageing immune system. By stimulating immune responses, vaccines help the body recognise and fight infections more effectively. Ageing adults should speak with their doctors about vaccinations recommended for their age group and health status.
As people live longer, the goal should not simply be to add years to life, but to add life to those years. Prioritising preventive care, healthy habits, and proactive health planning can help ageing adults remain independent, active, and engaged well into their later years.
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