Healthy Habits of Healthy Ageing
Ageing is inevitable, but age-related cognitive decline can be better managed through specific lifestyle interventions and prioritising mental health. Dr Ammu Lukose of the Loyola College of Social Sciences shares an approach to offset the effects of ageing for greater productivity in the workplace and outside of it.
Let us start with a likely scenario you could have encountered at work: an elderly colleague (or perhaps yourself) trying hard to recall information that is probably on the tip of their tongue but not in immediately accessible memory. Or, you need help remembering the name of a person you met at a conference some time back. Sounds familiar?
These are common signs of age-related changes that impact your cognitive skills, like memory, in the two instances mentioned.
Regular “Agers” vs “Super-Agers”
Some individuals age exceptionally well and maintain their cognitive and physical abilities well into old age. These individuals are referred to as “super-agers”. Super-agers perform high on cognitive tests to assess memory, attention, and other cognitive abilities. In addition to maintaining their cognitive abilities, super-agers tend to have a higher quality of life than their peers.
Source: Rates of Cortical Atrophy in Adults 80 Years and Older With Superior vs Average Episodic Memory, Cook et.al., 2017
Super-agers retain memory better than others, which could positively impact learning and workplace productivity.
Unfortunately, some individuals experience pathological ageing, which refers to age-related changes that trigger cognitive decline and other health issues. Pathological ageing can result in conditions such as dementia that significantly impact the quality of life and productivity of individuals.
In today’s fast-paced and demanding work environment, professionals need to take steps to promote healthy ageing. One of the most significant challenges professionals face is the sedentary nature of their work. Sitting for prolonged periods has been linked to various health issues, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, and musculoskeletal problems. Studies have shown that it can also impact cognitive function and mental health.
Promoting Healthy Ageing in the Workplace
To foster healthy ageing, it is essential to prioritise physical and mental well-being. Below are some tips to promote healthy ageing:
- Stay active: Engage in regular physical activity, whether taking a brisk walk during a break or a quick exercise routine before starting work. Set goals to increase physical activity throughout the day, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or scheduling a standing meeting.
- Maintain a healthy diet: Make healthy dietary choices, such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, and healthy fats. Avoid processed and fast foods, which are often high in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats.
- Manage stress: Manage stress using practices like meditation, yoga, or other relaxation technique qigong. Set realistic goals and prioritise tasks to avoid work-related stress.
- Prioritise mental health: Seek out support and resources for mental health. Utilise mental health resources provided by your workplace, such as employee assistance programs.
- Stay socially connected: Try connecting with co-workers and friends. Join workplace social groups or clubs to connect with others with similar interests.
- Take breaks from digital devices: Schedule breaks throughout the day to rest your eyes and reduce the risk of eye strain. Set boundaries for device use, such as turning off notifications during non-work hours.
What to be Watchful of
Recognising the early signs of cognitive decline is critical to staving off or delaying the onset of age-related cognitive problems. A few indications of cognitive decline include forgetfulness, difficulty with problem-solving, reduced attention or concentration, mood changes, and confusion. Mood changes, such as increased irritability, feeling anxious or being in a low mood more often than usual, could also be early signs of cognitive decline. Confusion or disorientation could also be a red flag, especially in unfamiliar or challenging situations. Becoming aware of these early signs of cognitive decline and seeking timely support can go a long way in managing the decline.
Organisational Interventions for Healthy Workforce Ageing
Organisations have a significant role in promoting healthy ageing in the workplace. Creating a work environment that supports healthy ageing is an important aspect of an organisation’s overall wellness programme. Apart from offering wellness programs that focus on physical, mental, and emotional health or providing gym memberships, meditation classes, or nutrition workshops, organisations can promote healthy ageing by providing opportunities for learning and development.
Employees also have a role in maintaining their cognitive health. Long working hours, extended commutes, and high workloads can all contribute to a poor work-life balance. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial for healthy ageing at the workplace. In addition to a healthy work-life balance, individuals must schedule work breaks – both short and long – to help them stay refreshed and relaxed.
In Conclusion
Investing in healthy ageing is not just an investment in employee wellness but also an investment in a better future for society. A healthier workforce leads to increased productivity, reduced absenteeism, and improved job satisfaction, contributing to greater economic growth. Organisations and employees prioritising healthy ageing positively impact individuals and society. When individuals maintain good physical and cognitive health, they can continue contributing to their workplace and society for longer.
Rahul KV
Rahul is a cognitive psychologist passionate about developing innovative tools for cognitive well-being. He has worked as a Senior Research Fellow at the National Institute of Mental Health & Neurosciences (NIMHANS) and as a cognitive psychologist at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) Center for Brain Research.
