The neurologist Conrado Estol argued that society is going through a historical change in human life expectancywhere the focus must move from the mere duration of the years to the quality with which they are passed.

In dialogue with THE NATIONthe neurologist maintained that young people and adults under 50 years of age should adopt a preventive mentality, since reaching 90 or 100 years of age in physical and cognitive fullness is a real possibility if certain pillars of well-being are met from early stages. “If you cannot control anxiety with habits, you should consult a professional.; There is no need to be afraid of well-indicated medication,” he emphasized.

The professional questioned the traditional concept of old age, suggesting that the name should become obsolete in the face of the new biological reality.

The expert warns that currently two-thirds of people spend their last ten years of life in poor health conditions, which he defines as the lost decade: “Two thirds of people arrive and spend their last 10 years of life in poor or very poor health”Estol explained, citing the reality observed in the office.

To reverse this, the neurologist highlighted that the key to full longevity does not lie in magical solutions, but in the systematic adoption of seven pillars of healthy habits: “In the last 10 years this concept of life expectancy and health expectancy begins to change”said.

The key lies in understanding that human biology allows us to reach 80 or 90 years of age in an impeccable state, if the fundamental pillars of daily well-being are met.

And he continued: “The seven pillars (for a healthy old age) are: control stress, maintain your social ties, sleep correctly, zero smoking, moderate alcohol, healthy nutrition and exercise”.

Beyond these habits, the health professional emphasizes the importance of the purpose of life and ensures that “maintain optimism or a positive outlook” is crucial and should not be considered a cliché.

Along these lines, he warned against stigma of early retirement and passivity and noted that, contrary to popular belief, most successful businesses are started by people over 60: “You don’t have to say, I’m 75, let’s see what I do, I watch soap operas all afternoon. No. You have to stay active”he emphasized.

“What does it matter what number corresponds to your chronological age? There are people in their 30s who could say they are old, as if using old terms,” ​​he concluded.