The rise of healthy aging: a new frontier in wellness

Arab News

13 hours ago

While science and knowledge drive many trends shaping the world, these shifts are followed by social, cultural and economic changes that, in turn, affect human societies. Whether this influence begins in isolated communities or not, it ultimately leads us to the globally interconnected world we live in today, compelling us to adapt, transform and integrate with these phenomena.
In recent years, the wellness industry has seen the emergence of new terms, concepts and vast untapped potential. One such concept is healthy aging, which is reshaping societal and individual consciousness.
It is also transforming this demographic segment into an attractive economic market — steering capitalism toward developing comprehensive product systems for it, while enabling older adults to remain active and influential in various areas of life.
This shift can impact society and national economies by enabling older people to stay healthy, productive and active, reducing the economic burden associated with healthcare, caregiving and welfare.
According to UN projections, the number of people aged 65 and older worldwide will double — from 761 million in 2021 to 1.6 billion by 2050. The population aged 80 and above is expected to grow even faster.
As time passes and life expectancy increases, and as rapid technological advances continue, the need for effective solutions to support healthier aging is becoming more urgent among these growing population segments.
This trend does not originate from top-down societal or governmental vision and planning. Rather, it stems from a personal and individual perspective — growing awareness among people who increasingly prioritize their well-being and longevity. This awareness has developed over the years due to multiple factors, including technological and societal progress, the effects of globalization and the impact of pandemics.
This article explores the evolving landscape of healthy aging and highlights the key factors that contribute to a fulfilling and vibrant later life. Healthy aging refers to the process of maintaining and enhancing functional capacity — relative to one's age — that supports well-being in older age. It goes beyond the mere absence of disease and includes the promotion of physical, mental and social health.
The core components of healthy aging include physical health, such as maintaining a balanced diet, regular exercise and managing chronic diseases; mental health, which involves supporting cognitive function, managing stress and promoting emotional well-being; and social connections, through meaningful relationships and active participation in community life to strengthen social support.
It also includes finding purpose and engagement, whether through work, volunteering or hobbies that bring a sense of fulfillment; and lastly, access to care — ensuring that older adults benefit from healthcare, social services and supportive environments.
Overall, healthy aging promotes a holistic approach to improving quality of life as people grow older.
One of the most important drivers of this trend is the shift in perspective — from merely preventing disease to enhancing effectiveness and life satisfaction. The concept of healthy aging now goes beyond avoiding age-related illnesses; it embraces a holistic approach that prioritizes both physical and mental health, fosters a sense of purpose and encourages active engagement with life. This shift reflects a growing recognition that a long life is only truly valuable when it is also healthy and fulfilling.
Specialized studies also indicate that social relationships and emotional engagement are key contributors to this growing trend. A recent study by the McKinsey Health Institute, which surveyed more than 21,000 people aged 55 and older across 21 countries, revealed a common thread: Purpose, social connection and independence are the most important factors for a positive aging experience.
The study found that people who maintain a sense of purpose, manage stress effectively and nurture meaningful relationships tend to report higher levels of overall well-being.
Mental and spiritual health also play a significant role in this trend. While physical health tends to decline with age, the study revealed that mental and spiritual well-being often remain strong. In fact, among those aged 65 and older, spiritual health emerged as the most positive dimension of overall well-being. This suggests that inner peace, personal growth and a sense of connection to something greater than oneself can deeply enrich life in later years.
The survey further highlighted the impact of economic status and community involvement on well-being. Interestingly, people in low- and middle-income economies generally reported better overall health than those in high-income countries. However, among people in high-income economies, those actively engaged in work, volunteering or community activities reported higher levels of well-being — highlighting the importance of purpose and social contribution in healthy aging.
This suggests that meaningful community engagement can significantly enhance the aging experience, regardless of economic status. The survey also found that volunteering, in particular, had a notably positive impact on future health, highlighting the importance of contributing to society and maintaining a sense of purpose — even after retirement.
Founded in 2018 and officially inaugurated in 2022, the Saudi Hevolution Foundation is the world's largest organization dedicated to healthy aging. Operating under the direct supervision of Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the foundation has an annual budget of $1 billion to support research and develop treatments aimed at extending healthy lifespans.
It funds research projects lasting two to five years, with up to $1 million in support per project, and invests in biotechnology with contributions of up to $20 million. So far, the foundation has backed 25 projects within Saudi Arabia and 225 international initiatives in the same field.
To create a world where everyone can age healthier and happier, a collaborative effort is required — from regulators, communities, and investors — to meet the needs of older adults and help them lead fulfilling lives. This includes promoting a positive view of aging, not as a passive end-of-life stage, but as a meaningful chapter of continued growth, engagement and purpose. It is essential to challenge and reverse the outdated stereotype of aging as a time of decline.
Instead, aging should be seen as a phase rich with opportunities to learn, contribute and pass on knowledge to younger generations — building a more developed and forward-looking society that does not repeat the same patterns with each generation.
Complementary medicine also plays a supportive role in healthy aging, contributing to prevention and improved quality of life through safe, natural treatments. This aligns with Saudi Arabia's broader vision of becoming a leading destination for global health tourism.
Ultimately, by adopting a comprehensive and inclusive approach to healthy aging, we can build a world where everyone has the chance to live a long, healthy and fulfilling life.
• Saad Majdy Baslom has more than 10 years' experience in health tourism, wellness services, management, regulation and policy as a technical affairs director in complementary medicine. He holds a leadership and management certificate from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, a doctorate in traditional Chinese medicine, and master's degrees in Chinese herbology and acupuncture.