According to the Department of Statistics Malaysia, the percentage of the population aged 65 and above continues to grow, increasing from 7% to 7.3% in 2021, making Malaysia an ageing society as defined by the United Nations. In line with this, and in conjunction with World Heart Day and Healthy Aging Month, Herbalife Nutrition is sharing key tips to support Malaysians in the journey towards healthier ageing, both physically and mentally.
As the Malaysian health system considerably improves, Malaysians are now living longer. However, this does not mean that Malaysians are in better health. With the continuation of unhealthy lifestyles, it is estimated that people would spend 9.5 years of their life expectancy in poor health. One of the organs that can be heavily affected by age is the heart.
“The heart is susceptible to cardiovascular conditions, such as heart disease and stroke which claim 17.9 million lives globally each year. What’s more alarming is the fact that half of cardiovascular disease cases occur in Asia, and age is a dominant risk factor, with the prevalence of these diseases increasing as one grows older,” said Dr. Kent L. Bradley, Chief Health and Nutrition Officer, Herbalife Nutrition.
Hence, Bradley notes that it is now more important than ever to start caring for one’s heart, especially for those aged 40 or older: “Malaysians should visit their doctors for health checks on a regular basis and check your blood pressure regularly as well, as this is the number one risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. Cutting down on unhealthy habits such as smoking is also key to protecting your heart, as smoking damages the lining of your arteries, which can result in a heart attack or stroke.”
Bradley also encourages Malaysians to lead an active lifestyle. “Not only does exercise help with weight loss, it also improves blood flow and helps reduce stress hormones,” he says. “Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity physical activity at least 5 times a week. Additionally, if you are seated a lot throughout the day consider the use of a standing workstation at your desk.”
Weighing in on healthy aging, Dr. Gary Small, Member of the Herbalife Nutrition Advisory Board and author of The Memory Bible added that to support a healthy ageing process, one needs to take care of both the body and mind.
According to Small, “The brain is one of the most important organs in the human body. Like a muscle, the brain appears to perform better when it gets regular exercise. In addition to pairing exercise with a balanced diet, research has shown that mentally stimulating activities such as reading, playing word games, or learning a new skill can help to sustain and even improve memory, processing speed, attention, and perception.”
Small also advises checking with one’s doctor on medicines for treating hypertension and high cholesterol, as they are associated with better brain health and longer life expectancy. Above all, it is vital to create a healthy environment, keep a positive outlook on life and nurture a strong social network.
To further boost both heart and brain health, consuming fresh fruits, vegetables, dried fruits, nuts, and seeds is also recommended. In particular, foods like fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, and tuna), flaxseeds, walnuts, pumpkin seeds, and soybeans are rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which may help to reduce the risk of heart disease and improve brain health.
For more information, check out https://www.herbalife.com.my/ on achieving healthier lifestyles.
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