Source : INDIA TODAY NEWS
Want to live longer? Start by surprising your brain. Learning a new language, picking up a musical instrument or even brushing your teeth with your non-dominant hand could help keep the brain engaged as you age, says Dr Navin Gnanasekaran, head of radiology at Apollo Hospitals.
Speaking at the two-day India Today HealthWealth Summit, Gnanasekaran said longevity does not have to mean chasing expensive supplements or unproven treatments. Instead, the focus should be on simple, consistent habits — from building muscle strength and playing racket sports to learning something new and nurturing curiosity.
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“If you want to live long, you should have the curiosity of a child,” he said, emphasising that living longer should also mean staying healthy, active and independent for longer.
Speaking during a discussion on whether living up to 200 years could become a reality, Gnanasekaran said the focus should be on extending not just lifespan but also healthspan — the number of years a person lives in good health, with physical independence and quality of life.
“There’s a difference between greed and hope,” he said, adding that while living to 100 could become increasingly achievable with medical advances, the more important question was how healthy people would be between the ages of 60 and 90.
Life expectancy has risen significantly over the past century, from around 35 years in the early 1900s to more than 70 years today, aided by advances in modern medicine, vaccines and antibiotics. However, living longer does not necessarily mean remaining healthy, he said.
“The best things in life are free,” Gnanasekaran said, cautioning against spending excessively on unproven longevity treatments and supplements. Instead, he recommended building sustainable habits, including regular cardiovascular exercise, learning new skills, nurturing friendships and maintaining curiosity.
SURPRISE YOUR BRAIN, STAY CURIOUS
Gnanasekaran said learning new skills could be another simple yet powerful way to support healthy ageing. Since his previous podcast appearance, he said, he had started learning the saxophone.
From learning a new language to brushing one’s teeth with the non-dominant hand, small changes can challenge the brain and introduce novelty into everyday routines. “Surprise your brain,” he said, explaining that people should continue stimulating parts of their brains that may have remained inactive through years of repetitive habits.
For those who struggle to find time, he suggested starting small — learning a language through an app or listening to an audiobook.
Ultimately, longevity does not necessarily require extraordinary interventions, Gnanasekaran said. It calls for consistency, physical activity, curiosity and the willingness to keep learning.
“If you want to live long, you should have the curiosity of a child,” he said.
MUSCLES ARE THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUTH
When it comes to longevity, Gnanasekaran placed muscle health at the top of his list of priorities, describing muscles as the “fountain of youth”. Maintaining muscle strength, he said, is essential to preserving mobility and independence with age.
However, he cautioned against pushing the body too hard at the gym, particularly when it is not adequately rested. People should avoid strenuous workouts after poor sleep, long flights or substance use, he said. He also advocated racket sports such as badminton, which engage not just the body but also the eyes and brain. Tracking the shuttlecock requires constant attention and coordination, stimulating the brain in ways that repetitive exercise on a treadmill may not.
WHY VEGETARIANS SHOULD CHECK THEIR VITAMIN B12 LEVELS
Gnanasekaran highlighted vitamin B12 deficiency as a particular concern among Indians, especially vegetarians, since the vitamin is primarily found in animal-derived foods. He recommended checking vitamin B12 levels and supplementing under appropriate medical guidance if a deficiency is detected. He also pointed to elevated homocysteine levels as a potential concern, as they are associated with blood vessel damage and plaque formation.
Alongside vitamin B12, he identified iron and vitamin D as nutrients for which supplementation may be warranted when needed, cautioning against indiscriminate use of supplements.
For those looking to assess their health as they age, he recommended tests including thyroid function, liver function, a complete blood count and hearing assessments. Specifically for longevity, Dr Gnanasekaran highlighted the need for fasting insulin levels as an important marker to consider, noting that these provide different information from HbA1c.
Ultimately, longevity is less about finding a magic formula and more about making everyday choices that keep the body strong and the mind active. As Gnanasekaran emphasised, staying curious, embracing new experiences and being consistent with the basics may be key to not just living longer, but living healthier.
Watch the HealthWealth Summit LIVE here:
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SOURCE :- TIMES OF INDIA
