Post by : Saif Rahman

Ageing affects everyone, but most people equate it with wrinkles, grey hair or lower energy. Many also assume genetics alone determine how we age. Senior cardiologist Dr Sanjay Bhojraj, with two decades of clinical experience, argues this view is incomplete: ageing often begins inside the body, and the heart is a leading indicator.

In a recent video, Dr Bhojraj outlined three common misconceptions about ageing and urged viewers to focus on daily routines that influence long-term health. His emphasis is not merely on lifespan but on maintaining vitality and well-being as we grow older.

Dr Bhojraj points out that a person can look young externally while their cardiovascular system is deteriorating. Internal cardiac ageing can quietly increase the risk of heart disease, chronic fatigue and declining strength long before physical signs appear.

Many everyday behaviours unknowingly accelerate wear on the heart and other organs. Shortchanging sleep, prolonged sitting, frequent consumption of processed foods and skipping exercise place extra strain on cells, muscles and arteries, speeding biological ageing.

Ageing is a gradual process driven by daily choices rather than a sudden change at a particular birthday. Adopting healthier routines early can preserve cardiac function and slow the internal ageing process.

Often, people recognise ageing only after pain, weakness or exhaustion emerge. Yet cardiac decline precedes those symptoms: poorer circulation can sap the brain and muscles of energy, and overall function drops. As Dr Bhojraj puts it, the condition of your heart signals your biological age long before facial lines do.

Colleague Dr Jeremy London recommends practical, evidence-based habits to support longevity and heart health: regular physical activity, diets centred on whole fresh foods, consistent sleep, and maintaining strong social ties. He also highlights heat-based therapies such as sauna bathing for their benefits to circulation and relaxation.

Physical activity need not be extreme—30 minutes of walking a day can produce measurable benefits. Eating well means prioritising natural, unprocessed choices most of the time rather than eliminating all favourites. Sufficient restorative sleep is essential because many repair processes occur overnight.

Social connection plays a measurable role in cardiovascular health. Time spent with friends and family reduces stress, bolsters mood and supports resilience—factors that help protect the heart.

Both physicians stress that healthier ageing is achievable across income levels. It does not demand costly treatments or rigid regimens; rather, incremental, sustained adjustments to daily behaviour can pay large dividends. Improvements are possible even when changes begin later in life.

The takeaway is clear: ageing is more than outward change — it is about how internal systems perform. Protecting heart health helps keep the whole body functioning more youthfully.

This guidance is particularly relevant today, as fast-paced lifestyles, processed diets and prolonged screen time have become common. Recognising how routine habits contribute to conditions like diabetes, high blood pressure and heart disease can help prevent them.

Maintaining good health is ultimately a personal responsibility. Small, consistent steps—choosing to walk more, drink water instead of sugary beverages, prioritise sleep and manage stress—can substantially improve quality of life.

#Wellness #Health,