Our greatest gift is life. Our most precious wealth is health. In the last chapter of life, almost everyone would give any money to extend their health by a few precious months. Healthy longevity can be achieved, but to be effective, we must act now while we still have this precious wealth. And people know this. Our consumer research (of 500 people over 60) showed that more than 71% thought about how their future health could be influenced by their actions today – 24% thought about this often.
To realise more quality years in better health, we need a compelling mission, which could simply be to retain optimal vitality. Whatever our life goals they cascade from this mission, whether it’s seeing the world, being active grandparents or just walking the dogs in the woods: this is a virtuous circle as by achieving our goals, we retain our vitality.
What do you mean by healthy longevity?
This precious wealth is more in our control than we realise. Genetics accounts for just 30% of healthy longevity, and lifestyle choices determine most of the rest. It doesn’t take long to do a lifestyle stock take– try our biological age calculator, LifeScore, which also identifies the top actions you could take to lower your biological age. Next review how to change your behaviours to address any shortfalls. A good range of habits is critical to future wellbeing.
This article isn’t about good habits, such as exercise, sleep, nutrition, mindfulness and community, it’s about the mindset necessary to adopt and sustain behaviour changes that can help contribute to healthy longevity. Sustainable habit change starts with a mindset reset.
The perfect time to do this is as we step back from full-time work when we have more time to nurture ourselves and shape our future. This is a unique opportunity to grow and develop in whatever field we choose. To establish deep roots, growth requires nurturing and patience, and shouldn’t be rushed. For new habits to germinate, we need three things – motivation, ability and a prompt. Motivation can fluctuate, so the best start, is to make the new habit as easy as possible. And then, as we push ourselves beyond our limits we realise how limitless we can be.
The power of the mind
Mindset begins with terminology. The words “work” or “task” have negative connotations or “must do” tick box action, whereas the words “art” or “craft” spark passion. We want to present the new habit, as an “art” or “craft” that we can experience, love, and enjoy getting better and better at. All activities can be “crafts” when we see how they shape us as people. It’s not about going for a run, it’s about becoming a runner, it’s not about preparing a meal, it’s about becoming a chef, it’s not about destressing, it’s about becoming a yogi master.
Next don’t procrastinate. With whatever “craft” you select, begin at your own pace with no or low expectations. The first time won’t be good, so don’t be deterred by a poor experience.
Tiny steps are much easier to make and from tiny steps come monumental outcomes. Stone by stone the great pyramids in Egypt were built and brush stroke by brush stroke great masterpieces were painted. It’s not the size of our steps that determines the outcome, but our vision, passion and constant practice. Be patient, turning up is the most important action, even if that’s for just 10 minutes each day. If today is better than yesterday, it’s progress.
Maintaining motivation
Improvement is also compound, it starts small and grows with each step. This takes time, but in 3 or 6 months, when we look back and see how far we’ve come, the feeling is wonderful.
People aren’t born great at a “craft” and, as with most aspects of life, we’re shaped by nature and nurture. Even for the most talented people, their most important gift was a love for their “art” and a drive to improve. They also love to read about their “craft” and have “craft” heroes they respect.
True friendships should encourage and energise us to develop our “craft” and may extend to participating in the journey. Friendships that undermine, demean or discourage, aren’t genuine and don’t want the best for you. It’s a defining test!
In summary, our greatest wealth is health and to extend this for as long as possible, we need a mission that unlocks invaluable future life goals. This starts with mindset. Who do we want to become? What “art” or craft” do we want to nurture and shape us? This doesn’t need super motivation, if we make the first steps as small as possible and our expectations as low as possible. Just turning up is all that’s necessary.
Download the Autum app (Android or IoS) to try our biological age calculator and find inspiring activities and content to help you begin your journey.
Photo by Luis Machado on Unsplash
A passionate entrepreneur who has spent years calculating life risks and has set up two successful innovative businesses. He believes with the right motivation and support we can extend healthy life. This is now his calling and has found a great team to make it happen.
