Advice for healthy aging as NC’s population grows older

ADOBE STOCK

Regular exercise and proper nutrition are key to limiting the effects of aging.

As North Carolina’s population ages, the focus turns to preventive health strategies that can add quality to later years.

Experts stress that regular physical activity and proper nutrition are critical for managing chronic conditions and protecting brain health. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, physical activity can help prevent or manage many health issues common in older adults, such as heart disease and diabetes, while also boosting cognitive function.

John E. Lewis, founder of Dr. Lewis Nutrition, a plant-based nutrition and supplement company, and an advisor for the Medical Wellness Association, said the power to change one’s health trajectory remains firmly in an individual’s hands, regardless of age.

“If you’ve been diagnosed with some type of cancer or heart disease,” he said, “you still, as long as you are alive and in control of yourself, have the ability to change that by using proper nutrition and exercising every day and using key dietary supplements."

Lewis pointed out that despite a national trend toward sedentary lifestyles, even small amounts of daily movement can start a positive chain reaction for health.
North Carolina’s older adult population is expected to double by 2040.

For those unsure where to begin, Lewis’ advice is refreshingly straightforward: Start small and be consistent.

“The easiest thing that somebody can do is have a good pair of sneakers and just simply start walking around in their neighborhood,” he said, “even if it’s only five minutes the first time.”

Beyond exercise, hydration and key nutrients such as Vitamin D are also pillars of a healthy aging strategy. Experts agree that a comprehensive approach, combining movement, whole foods, quality sleep, and stress management, is the true path to vitality after 50.

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