Media Coverage: GP Shares Five Habits That Help People Age Well
Healthy ageing is influenced by more than genetics alone, according to Dr Dominic Greenyer, private GP at The Health Suite, who says daily lifestyle habits can significantly affect long-term health, energy and resilience.
“Ageing is not just about time passing. It’s about how well the body is maintained,”
He highlighted five key habits that may help support healthy ageing and longevity.
1. Building and maintaining muscle
Dr Greenyer says muscle mass is one of the strongest predictors of healthy ageing.
As muscle naturally declines with age, maintaining strength through resistance training and regular movement may help reduce the risk of frailty, falls and metabolic decline.
2. Prioritising sleep and recovery
According to Dr Greenyer, chronic poor sleep may accelerate ageing by affecting hormones, inflammation and recovery.
“It affects hormones, recovery, inflammation and even visible signs like skin quality,”
3. Reducing inflammation through lifestyle
Diet, stress, alcohol intake and inactivity can all contribute to chronic inflammation over time.
Dr Greenyer explains that lifestyle habits such as eating whole foods, staying active and managing stress may help reduce “inflammaging” — the low-grade inflammation associated with ageing.
4. Supporting metabolic flexibility
Metabolic flexibility refers to the body’s ability to switch efficiently between burning carbohydrates and fat for energy.
When impaired, Dr Greenyer says people may become more prone to fatigue, weight gain and insulin resistance.
5. Enjoying life in moderation
Dr Greenyer also emphasised the importance of balance, social connection and enjoyment.
“Maintaining strong social connections is consistently associated with longer lifespan and better mental wellbeing,”
He added that enjoying foods such as dark chocolate in moderation may also support cardiovascular health due to their polyphenol content.
Together, these habits may help improve both lifespan and “healthspan” — the number of years lived in good health.
Read the complete article on BuzzFeed.