From my perspective, wellness is not a sole destination but a daily practice that needs to be undertaken by every individual. Wellness, in my opinion, is a daily routine that every individual should engage in to enhance not only their physical health but also improve their mental health. Everyday wellness rituals, such as mindful eating and regular exercise, are essential for emotional balance and nurturing mental health in all individuals, improving not only longevity but also quality of life.
Given the context of World Health Day 2025, which places an emphasis on Healthy Beginnings, Hopeful Futures, it is of the utmost importance to acknowledge that health is not something that can be achieved by an individual at any age group. However, it is important to ensure that daily wellness is undertaken by every individual and, more especially, by older adults, because it allows them to maintain their independence, sense of purpose, and dignity despite their advanced age. The act of reflecting on these routines demonstrates how individuals can age with strength, resilience, and joy by practising personal discipline, receiving support from their communities, and having access to equitable healthcare benefits.
Q: What valuable lessons or principles have you inherited from your father that continue to influence your personal or professional life?
A: A special learning which I have got from my beloved late father, who instilled into me two invaluable habits, which he inculcated in me, was the habit of reading, enriching my mind, and then daily physical activity, prioritising my health. His wisdom has always encouraged me to dedicate at least one hour daily to my physical well-being, no matter how busy I am.
Q: Could you share insights from your personal journey with diabetes and how it has influenced your approach to health and wellness?
A: I was diagnosed with diabetes at a very young age, which came as a challenge to me at a very tender age. However, I am very proud to state that my father played a crucial role in helping me accept and manage the disease with ease. He taught me the importance of mental strength, discipline and a balanced lifestyle to keep it under control. Moreover, the acceptance of the challenge is what matters when you accept that yes, you are going through a situation. Finally, I believe we should accept the situation and focus on finding a solution to the problem or challenge.
Q: Based on your experience, what key insights have you gained about diabetes, and what are the practical steps individuals can take to manage it effectively in their daily lives?
A: I firmly believe that diabetes is a chronic condition that majorly affects the glucose levels of an individual, leading to higher blood sugar levels over time. While diabetes can be categorised under Type 1 & Type 2 diabetes, it is seen that the majority of older adults seem to face Type 2 diabetes, which is linked to insulin resistance or inadequate insulin production. While there are several studies that state that Type 2 diabetes can be managed by keeping blood sugar levels normal, there are several lifestyle changes that allow an individual to reach this situation.
From my personal experience, it is not just about medication, but also about lifestyle modifications. Apart from medication, I have also made changes within my lifestyle so that I can tackle the risk and complications that are associated with diabetes. Majorly, the three major things which I take care of are my diet, and I keep myself physically active, exercise, and stress management play a vital role.
To begin with, I started balancing my lifestyle with my diet, which included eating nutritious meals and controlling my sugar intake. Apart from this, I also started adopting healthy lifestyle habits that included staying active, getting enough sleep, and staying hydrated. Finally, I also engaged myself in regular exercise, such as daily walking, yoga, or any other type of physical activity, and this also allowed me to navigate through my stress levels.
Q: Why is daily physical activity considered a key component in the effective management and prevention of diabetes?
A: Daily physical activity is regarded as a cornerstone in diabetes management and prevention due to its profound and far-reaching effects on metabolic health, blood glucose regulation, and overall well-being. More precisely, engaging in daily physical activities not only improves your physical and mental health, but also increases longevity and quality of life, lowers stress, and promotes inner peace. Additionally, it is critical that an individual devotes time to health, including spending some time on brisk walks during the evening, strength-based training exercises, or even engaging in light activities such as gardening, yoga, and meditation. To sum up, it is a well-stated quote by Jim Ron- “Take care of your body. It’s the only place you have to live.
From this aspect and my learnings embodied from my father, I firmly agree that health is our greatest asset, and we must nurture it daily. Moreover, we should make a commitment to ourselves to prioritise our well-being and consider this our investment.
Q: How do you think older adults can embrace technology to stay mentally and physically active?
With age, I have come to accept that physical health challenges are natural, and maintaining wellness requires conscious lifestyle changes. I have learned to prepare myself proactively through balanced habits and adapting to change. Being open to learning and regularly exploring new technologies can help older adults remain mentally active in this digital age. Moreover, engaging with the younger generation is a great way to stay informed and updated on the latest trends that can enhance not only the learning experience but also foster collaborative learning experiences in an organisation.
Q: What are the key challenges older adults face when using digital health tools, and how can improving digital literacy help them confidently engage with wellness technologies?
Digital literacy improves when it’s seen as a way to enhance life and work. With a willingness to learn and consistent practice, older adults can become more efficient and better equipped to handle the demands of a dynamic world. From my personal experience, I feel that the biggest challenge is hesitation or fear of change that comes along when dealing with various technologies. While physical and cognitive aspects of older adults remain the prime challenges in dealing with digital health tools and technologies, lower levels of literacy tend to buffer the levels of anxiety among older adults. However, it should be understood that building skills and confidence on how to navigate through these technologies and ensuring that effective note-taking will allow older adults to view technology as their helping hands, which simplifies the task in an easier manner.
Q: What guidance would you offer to older adults who are hesitant about using technology for their health, and how can we ensure they stay included as digital health solutions continue to evolve?
Every new skill learned makes life easier and more manageable, embracing technology is an investment in your own well-being. Moreover, it should be noted that by encouraging continuous learning, offering patient support, and fostering intergenerational collaboration. It’s essential to create inclusive environments where older adults feel empowered to explore and adapt to digital tools at their own pace.