Having fun is the key to longevity

 18 January 

One of the most exciting changes to our way of life over the past 100 years is that life expectancy has risen dramatically, driven by decades of progress in medical science, public policy and lifestyle changes.

With more people comfortably living to 100 years or older, longevity studies are attempting to determine why certain people or groups of people live to this extraordinary age, so that learnings can be captured and shared with all.

Several factors are emerging as important health-related determinants towards a longer life including genetics, gender, diet, sleep patterns, economic status, health and lifestyle choices.

Interestingly, state-of-mind and mental wellbeing is also a crucial factor. A study from University College London, tracking 9,000 people over four years, has found that having fun and a positive outlook in your 50s is linked to long-term vitality and better health outcomes.

Creating an optimum environment for longevity has become an important preoccupation for luxury later living providers such as Riverstone. In addition to providing exceptional homes and amenities, there is an emphasis on supporting our residents in achieving their health and lifestyle goals, so that they can live well, for longer.

Everything at Riverstone is designed with enjoyment, health and wellbeing in mind. It is important to remember that ‘happiness’ and ‘fun’ is different for everyone, but that in general, older people will continue to appreciate opportunities to play and have fun.

The concept of play is far from prescriptive, but it is intrinsically enjoyable. It is about the opportunity to be silly, to be creative, to do things like singing or dancing, painting, laughing and to feel fresh air in your lungs or the sun on your skin.

It is this understanding that is driving Riverstone’s ethos of a life full of possibilities. We embrace the biopsychosocial approach to wellbeing, firmly believing that mind, body and soul all need to be nurtured for physical and mental fitness to be maintained and a long and happy life lived.

We believe that play is about fun, flow and freedom and it doesn’t matter how you get active so long as you keep moving. Natural movement is an excellent choice for play and exploration, as it’s easily adaptable for varying levels of athleticism and ability.

At Riverstone this could mean a stroll through Holland Park and Kensington High Street, making use of our high-tech gym or vitality pool or picking up a new hobby as part of our Forever Curious programme. There are so many ways to sharpen functional movement skills and cultivate more mobility.

We encourage children to play and marvel at their joy as they interact with the world, but many of us stop playing as we get older. Play can actually help to slow the aging process and offers adults the same physiological and emotional benefits that it does for children. We should not lose sight of the importance of this longevity boosting practice.

Dr Natalie-Jane Macdonald MBE, Non-Executive Director at Riverstone.