I recently read an article, “A new measure of health is revolutionising how we think about ageing”. It reminded me that there’s more to the story of our age than just the number of years we’ve lived. It’s easy to get caught up in the idea of getting old… which we are, and it is a very beautiful gift!
However, after reading this article, my view on age has slightly shifted. Our chronological age is simply a number. Whereas our biological age, shaped by lifestyle, habits, and wellbeing, tells the real story. The exciting part is, biological age can be influenced by the choices we make every day. Mindful practices like eating nourishing foods, prioritising sleep, managing stress, and nurturing connections can help you feel healthier and more vibrant.
Beyond the Calendar: A New Way to Think About Age
Your chronological age is just a number. Your biological age, shaped by lifestyle, habits, and wellbeing, tells the real story. Researchers have developed fascinating tools to measure how fast we’re ageing—DNA-based age tests, blood and urine markers, and wearables that track recovery and stress. Different parts of our body age at different rates, and the encouraging news is that many of these processes can be slowed down, or even reversed, by how we live.
What Science Is Showing Us
The evidence is clear: how we live each day profoundly shapes our long-term health.
People who eat well, move regularly, sleep deeply, and manage stress can be biologically years younger than their actual age.
The evidence is clear: how we live each day profoundly shapes our long-term health. People who eat well, move regularly, sleep deeply, and manage stress can be biologically years younger than their chronological age.
But it’s not just about personal habits, connection matters too. In a world where it’s easy to stay tucked away at home with food, entertainment, and comfort at our fingertips, we can forget how vital community is. Surrounding ourselves with good people, nurturing friendships, and sharing life with others boosts happiness, resilience, and even longevity. Malcolm Gladwell explores this in Outliers, where he tells the story of a small Italian community whose close-knit relationships contributed to unusually long lifespans.
Healthy routines and strong relationships don’t just add years to life—they bring energy, joy, and creativity to every stage.
Lifestyle: Nurturing Your Mind and Body
Every positive choice makes a difference, and science consistently shows that:
- Moving your body daily keeps both muscles and mind happy.
- Good sleep is one of the most powerful tools for overall wellbeing.
- Nourishing food to fuel your body from the inside out.
- Stress management, some examples of mindful activities include time in nature, or creative activities such as reading, baking and cooking.
- Caring for others and nurturing friendships as strong relationships are the heart of a healthy community.
Of course, incorporating all of these into daily life isn’t always simple. But even starting with one mindful change you’ll begin to feel the benefits.
Why Vivre Retreats Matters
At Vivre Retreats, we create experiences that gently weave these habits into daily life. Each retreat combines:
- Mindfulness & movement to strengthen the body and calm the mind.
- Nutritious food & deep rest to restore energy.
- Connection & creativity to uplift the spirit and build resilience.
When given the space to renew, your body and mind thrive—and your vitality shines at any age.
Our bodies are constantly renewing, adapting, and responding to the care we give them. By nurturing yourself now, you can add not just years to your life, but life to your years.
🎙️ Recommended Podcast
If you’d like to explore more, we recommend Feel Better, Live More with Dr. Rangan Chatterjee. His conversations are full of practical, uplifting advice on how small, everyday changes can help us live longer, healthier, and happier lives.
🪴 Local Artist Spotlight: Kimberly Day
This month, we’re shining spotlight on Kimberley Day, a talented artist based on the Isle of Purbeck, Dorset. Kimberley’s work beautifully captures the essence of our local landscapes, reflecting the tranquility and energy of nature.
Join us on our next retreat and experience how mindful, nourishing practices can help you feel rejuvenated and vibrant. We invite you to embrace this new way of ageing—one that’s not about decline, but about potential, purpose, and joy.
Sacha and Naomi X