The concept of “active ageing” should not simply refer to physically and mentally active seniors, but rather encompasses individuals of all ages actively engaging in behaviours aimed at maintaining and improving their health throughout their lives.
According to national health surveys, we are seeing rising numbers of young people with diabetes, heart conditions and cancers. These are warning signs that our youth are starting to accumulate lifestyle risk factors earlier in life which, left unchecked, will eventually trigger a cascade of health problems and chronic diseases in the later stages.
Hear from Prof Teo Yik Ying, Dean of NUS Saw Swee Hock School of Public Health, as he weighs in how “active ageing” can be redefined and broadened to start the ageing journey right.
Photo credits: The Straits Times