In recent years, several myths about the secret to longevity have been debunked. One of the biggest is the belief that genetics alone determine lifespan. It is now clear that genes cannot compensate for a chronically unhealthy lifestyle. In this article, we look at some of the habits and actions we can cultivate to foster our personal well-being and longevity, sharing insights from strong female leaders in Latvia, where women born today are estimated to outlive men by 10 years!
Experts today believe that three key pillars shape our quality of life:
Physical health – the period in which a person enjoys good health, free from chronic diseases.
Cognitive abilities – the time when a person maintains strong reasoning skills and mental well-being.
Financial security – the ability to acquire, manage and utilise resources throughout life.
Additionally, research is increasingly finding that social and psychological factors have a big role to play in our well-being and longevity. For example, people who understand the purpose of their life and actions live longer and better.
Eat better, live better
Antra Birzule, corporate social responsibility manager at Lidl Latvija speaks of the impact of our diets on our physical and mental health: “Many of us have felt the exhaustion that follows overeating or noticed how children become hyperactive after consuming sweets – clear examples of cause and effect. Yet, despite this awareness, we often repeat the same mistakes, leading to negative long-term health consequences, especially due to our daily dietary habits.”
“Eating well isn’t expensive or complicated. It’s about knowledge and action – choosing quality, healthy foods to nourish your body. Developing this habit takes awareness, patience and discipline because it requires time, but it’s absolutely worth it!” Birzule concludes.
Hormonal health matters
Longevity is also tied to our hormonal health, and the first step in achieving hormonal balance is understanding it, believes entrepreneur and mentor Una Ulme.
“Hormones are the guardians of our physical and mental balance, influencing nearly every function in the body. When they’re in harmony, we feel good, but when they become imbalanced, our overall health and quality of life decline,” explains Ulme. “Fortunately, we can take proactive steps by adjusting our daily routines – incorporating regular physical activity, practicing mindfulness and improving our dietary habits,” she finishes.
The impact of finances on well-being and longevity
Finances also matter to a long and healthy life. “Fortunately, taking care of our financial health involves simple habits that, when practiced regularly, can lead to increased savings and greater peace of mind about our financial security,” says Karīna Kulberga, founder of SheOwns, financier and investor.
The key habit she emphasises is saving a portion of every income each month and spending less than we earn. Kulberga also cites a study by City University London and Aviva, which found that it’s not the amount of money that brings us satisfaction, but the confidence that we have control over our finances. This sense of control provides peace of mind and confidence in managing our lives.
Longevity as an opportunity
While ageing is often still seen as a limitation, the increasing life expectancy presents an opportunity to continue learning, strengthen relationships and make a greater impact. Challenging stereotypes about older people and their potential contributions to the workforce is crucial in this context.
“Although old age may seem far off, it's worth considering in our twenties or thirties whether we're investing enough in our physical and mental health. Regular exercise, a healthy diet, and mental well-being are our “longevity capital”. Am I taking advantage of preventive health measures? Am I continuously developing my skills to remain competitive after 50, 60 or 70? And how am I planning for my financial security? Unfortunately, statistics show that women over 60 are at a higher risk of poverty than men, due to fewer years of work experience and lower pay, making long-term financial planning crucial,” adds Dagnija Lejiņa, co-founder of Novatore.
This year’s Novatore Impact Summit will focus on good health as a cornerstone of professional success. Register to learn many more actionable insights for boosting your health and career!
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