Turning 50 – How Ayurveda and Science have helped me defy aging
At 50, I feel more energised and youthful than I did in my 30s—here’s how Ayurveda and science have helped me defy aging
Ayurveda, the 5,000-year-old science of life, takes a holistic view of aging. Rather than treating aging as a “disease” to be cured, it recognises it as a natural process, one that can be navigated with grace and vitality by living in harmony with nature.
Key Ayurvedic principles for healthy aging include:
- Balance Through the Doshas
- Ayurveda identifies three biological energies, or doshas—Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—that influence our physical and mental constitution. Aging is often marked by increased Vata, leading to dryness, stiffness, and anxiety. Practices like oil massage (Abhyanga) and grounding routines can help balance Vata and slow the aging process.
- Agni and Digestion
- Strong digestion, governed by Agni (digestive fire), is the cornerstone of health. Weak digestion leads to the accumulation of toxins (ama), which accelerates aging. Eating a dosha-balancing diet regularly, with the largest meal at midday, helps maintain strong Agni and supports longevity.
- Daily and Seasonal Routines
- Ayurveda emphasises living in sync with natural rhythms through routines (dinacharya) and seasonal adjustments (ritucharya). Practices like rising with the sun, regular sleep patterns, and seasonal detoxes support circadian health, which modern science now links to improved lifespan and healthspan.
- Mind-Body Connection
- Practices like yoga, meditation, and pranayama (breathwork) reduce stress, improve cardiovascular health, and enhance mental clarity. Research confirms their anti-aging benefits, showing reduced markers of inflammation and improved cellular health.
- Sattvic Living
- Living a life of balance, ethical conduct, and selfless service (Sadvritta) cultivates inner peace and resilience, which positively impacts physical health and longevity.
The Vital Role of Exercise in Longevity
While Ayurveda emphasises balanced living, exercise is key to maintaining health and youthfulness. Importantly, your exercise routine should align with your dosha and individual body type.
- Customised Movement for Your Body Type
- Vata types benefit from grounding, slower-paced activities like yoga, Pilates, and walking, which prevent overstimulation and joint strain.
- Pitta types thrive with moderate-intensity, cooling exercises like swimming or cycling, which prevent overheating and burnout.
- Kapha types need energising, dynamic movements like high-intensity interval training (HIIT) or strength training to counteract their natural tendency toward sluggishness.
- Strength and Mobility
- A combination of strength training and mobility work is essential for maintaining muscle mass, bone density, and joint health as you age. Regular strength training combats the natural decline in muscle mass (sarcopenia), while mobility exercises improve flexibility and balance, reducing the risk of injury.
- Zone 2 and Zone 5 Training
- Incorporating a mix of low-intensity aerobic exercise (Zone 2) and high-intensity intervals (Zone 5) optimises cardiovascular health and longevity.
- Zone 2 Training: Improves mitochondrial function, supports fat metabolism, and enhances overall endurance. Walking, cycling, or swimming at a steady, conversational pace are great examples.
- Zone 5 Training: Pushes your heart rate to maximum capacity, improving oxygen delivery and boosting longevity. Sprints, HIIT sessions, or other short bursts of high-intensity activity are effective here.
Exercise is not just about burning calories or building muscles; it’s about creating resilience in the body and mind. Regular movement, tailored to your body type, enhances energy, supports metabolism, and builds a foundation for long-term health.
What Can You Start Doing Today?
Longevity doesn’t require extreme measures. Here are some simple Ayurvedic and lifestyle practices to begin your journey toward graceful aging:
- Optimise Your Diet
- Eat fresh, whole foods tailored to your dosha.
- Avoid processed and late-night meals.
- Prioritise digestion by eating your largest meal at lunch.
- Establish a Morning Routine
- Wake up early, ideally before sunrise.
- Start your day with oil pulling, gentle yoga, and mindfulness.
- Exercise Regularly
- Integrate strength training, mobility exercises, and Zone 2/Zone 5 cardio into your weekly routine.
- Tailor your activities to your dosha for maximum benefit.
- Practice Daily Abhyanga
- Massage your body with warm oil to nourish your skin, calm your mind, and improve circulation.
- Embrace Mindfulness
- Commit to a daily meditation or breathwork practice, even if it’s just for 10 minutes.
- Detox Seasonally
- Engage in a guided Ayurvedic detox to reset your body and mind between seasons.
Conclusion: Practice What You Preach
Ultimately, the path to longevity isn’t just about following these practices—it’s about embodying them. As a practitioner, I’ve found that practicing what I preach keeps me grounded and elevates my pranic energy, the subtle life force that fuels vitality. This energy allows me to show up fully for my clients, family, and community day after day. I am not perfect but what is do is consistent.
One of the greatest medicines in life is doing what you love. For me, the joy I find in my work as a healer and coach is as nourishing as any diet or exercise routine. When your heart is full of joy and purpose, it radiates outward, creating a ripple effect of vitality and well-being.
By aligning your lifestyle with Ayurvedic principles, embracing movement, and cultivating joy in your work and life, you can live not just longer but with more energy, vibrancy, and meaning. Here’s to celebrating life at every age and finding joy in every step of the journey!
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