Were you there?

Did you make it to yesterday's world record attempt & wellbeing festival? What an incredible day it was, when 1 out of 2 new world records were set, at the original home of Pilates. Huge congratulations and thanks to the organisers Ramsey Crookall & Co, 34 Moves and Visit Isle of Man.

I was truly honoured to be part of festivities, first presenting on the main stage on 'How to die later (rather than sooner)' and then hosting a game of 'Ageing Well bingo' in the workshop tent. 

If you weren't able to attend the day, or my sessions, did you know that whilst ageing is non-negotiable, & we all pop our clogs eventually, ageing WELL is very much in our own hands. 

I appreciate that socio-economic factors do play a huge part in our health. I also know that some people are horribly unlucky healthwise. But if we are able to make positive changes, it is possible to shrink the gap between healthspan and lifespan, which in the British Isles currently stands at a horrifying 20 years!

It is possible for illness as we age to be compressed towards the end of our lifespan; for us to stay largely as active and hearty as we ever were.

The 4 most important habits are as follows:

1) Move: take the stairs, carrying your shopping, park further away, do short (or long) errands on foot, meet a friend for a walk rather than a coffee.

In addition, just 15 mins of brisk exercise a day is associated with a 14% lower risk of dying early.

Whatever it is, just do it!

2) Eat well: every 10% of calories from ultra-processed foods is associated with a 10-15% increased risk of early death.  As UPFs currently make up 56% of the average diet, there's a lot of potential upside here, so, as much as you can, swap out some of those 'food-shaped products' for actual food. 

Eat a colourful, fibre-rich and nutrient-dense diet.

3) Connect: stop sending text messages, pick up the phone & talk to your friends and family. Say 'hello' to your neighbours, pass the time of day at the supermarket checkout. All these things act as social glue. 

Loneliness and social isolation carry 26-32% higher mortality risk. Make social connection a priority. 

4) Rest: there should be zero shame in taking time out of our day for doing absolutely nothing 'productive'. Gaze out of the window. Sit in a green space. Go for a bimble around the block. You're not wasting time - you're looking after your health.

& protect your sleep like the foundation for good living it is.

All of these things are backed by mountains of evidence and are hopefully achievable, in some way, by most of us.

Just one positive change is a move in the right direction.

If you're ready to learn what might work for you, or what specific priorities would help you personally, I'm always available for a chat.