Do you want to look young again? Have you started feeling less confident because of small changes in your face or skin? Many people worry about getting older and want to stop it. Today, there are many products and treatments that promise to keep you looking young. From costly creams and vitamins to surgeries, the business of staying young is huge. But what if the real secret isn’t about stopping age, but about how we age? Is it better to focus on healthy ageing or just anti-ageing? Which one truly helps us look young?
The tragic passing of actress Shefali Jariwala, popularly known as the ‘Kaanta Laga Girl,’ has reignited public concerns about the dangers associated with extreme anti-ageing solutions. Allegedly linked to fasting and the use of anti-ageing drugs, her untimely death at just 42 is a heartbreaking reminder that the pursuit of eternal youth may come at an unseen cost.
This growing awareness is sparking a shift toward a more balanced and sustainable approach, healthy ageing a lifestyle philosophy that embraces ageing gracefully rather than fearing it.
Anti-Ageing: A Wake-Up Call
Anti-ageing methods typically involve medications, synthetic supplements, cosmetic surgeries, and other procedures designed to reduce or hide the signs of ageing. While some treatments may offer short-term results, many carry risks both medically and psychologically. From hormonal imbalances to emotional stress and even severe health consequences, the anti-ageing race often overlooks long-term well-being.
Take, for example, tech billionaire Brian Johnson who made headlines for his extreme anti-ageing regime. With millions spent on dozens of pills and plasma infusions, the question arises is this truly sustainable or even necessary for the average person?
Vibha Pandey, National President of the Artificial Intelligence Council at WICCI, shared her views on the issue:, “The dictionary meaning of anti-ageing is: ‘(of a product or technique) designed to prevent the appearance of getting older.’ However, with the recent tragic demise of Shefali Jariwala, that meaning has changed for me. It now feels like you don’t even get to the age considered old.”
Healthy Ageing: A Life-Altering Perspective
To understand what healthy ageing truly means, we spoke to Dr. Manjari Chaturvedi, CEO of Healthy Aging India, who has been a leading voice in promoting natural, holistic longevity.
“Healthy ageing looks at ageing not as a decline, but a process where one prepares mentally, physically, emotionally, and economically from youth itself,” says Dr. Chaturvedi.
She explains that ageing isn’t something that starts at 60, it begins at conception. While society celebrates ‘growth’ until our teens, the same biological process becomes labelled as ‘ageing’ and suddenly gains a negative connotation. Her mission is to change this narrative.
From Retirement to Purposeful Living
Dr. Chaturvedi challenges the outdated idea of retirement being a time of stillness and inactivity.
“Traditional retirement marks the start of cognitive and physical decline for many. But when seniors pursue hobbies, volunteer work, or mentoring, they rediscover purpose. That self-worth sustains mental health, confidence, and even physical resilience.”
She advocates for intergenerational learning centres, where seniors can guide children or offer community service creating not just engagement but impact.
Key Habits to Embrace Healthy Ageing
So, what does healthy ageing look like in action? Here are habits Dr. Chaturvedi recommends integrating early in life:
- Strength Training: At least three times a week to maintain muscle and prevent frailty
- Balanced Nutrition: Emphasizing seasonal, whole foods and antioxidants
- Sleep Hygiene: Deep, consistent sleep as a pillar of cellular recovery
- Social Bonds: Staying connected to reduce depression and cognitive decline
- Preventive Healthcare: Routine screenings to detect issues early
- Time Outdoors: Natural light and movement benefit mood and immunity
- Avoid Over-Supplementation: Stick to natural healing unless clinically necessary
Ageing and Power of Community
According to Dr. Chaturvedi, Community isn’t optional it’s biological. Just as we say it takes a village to raise a child, it also takes a community to sustain elders. In a world where traditional family structures are evolving, building new forms of community is crucial. Whether through clubs, hobby groups, or tech-based platforms, these networks play a critical role in emotional and physical health.
“Ageing is often feared, but the truth is, it brings wisdom, freedom, and resilience. It’s a journey not a cliff,” says Dr. Chaturvedi. She urges individuals to view age not as a limitation but as an expansion of self. Technological advancements, evolving work cultures, and the flexibility of modern life mean that dreams don’t have a deadline anymore.
What the Future Holds
The future of ageing is optimistic with science and tech leading the way. From personalized medicine to AI-driven diagnostics and smart home systems, the coming years promise better quality of life for the elderly.
“We are on the cusp of an era where ageing can be slowed not artificially, but biologically, and Gen Z will play a vital role in dismantling ageism and pushing for better intergenerational understanding.” says Dr. Chaturvedi.
As the narrative around ageing evolves, it’s clear that healthy ageing is no longer just a medical concept, it’s a cultural and social revolution.
Where anti-ageing masks time, healthy ageing embraces it with wisdom, purpose, and grace. As awareness spreads and more voices like Dr. Chaturvedi and Vibha Pandey rise, the message becomes stronger: Don’t fight with ageing, only live it, fully.
