By The Wellbeing Sherpa / 20 March 2025

Many of us unknowingly hold onto limiting beliefs about ageing and wellbeing that keep us stuck in unhealthy patterns. Your mindset is the foundation of your longevity.

Time to Challenge Old Beliefs

Have you ever thought:
❌ “Aging means slowing down.”
❌ “Feeling tired all the time is normal after 40.”
❌ “I do not have time for self-care.”

These beliefs are not facts. They are just old programming. The good news? You can rewire your mind and body to thrive at any age.

Your Past Health Choices Do Not Define Your Future

No matter your past lifestyle, whether you skipped workouts, had poor sleep habits, or neglected self-care. Your body is always capable of transformation.

The Science of Change:

The concept of neuroplasticity: your brain’s ability to form new connections, proves that your thoughts and habits reshape your brain and body. The University of Oxford’s Centre for Human Brain Activity states that adults can rewire their brains at any age through intentional behaviour change.

Example:

Sarah, 52, believed she was “too old to start strength training.” After shifting her mindset to “My body deserves strength,” she began simple resistance exercises twice a week. Within months, she noticed:
✔️ Better posture
✔️ Less joint pain
✔️ More energy

The Science: How Your Mind Impacts Your Longevity

Your brain has a powerful built-in filter, the Reticular Activating System (RAS), which determines what you focus on. If you constantly say:
❌ “I am too busy for wellbeing.”
❌ “Healthy eating is too hard.”
❌ “I will always struggle with energy.”

Your RAS will reinforce those beliefs, making you unconsciously seek out evidence to support them.

UK & European Research:

• A University College London (UCL) study found that people with a positive outlook on ageing were 24% more likely to maintain good health into their 70s and beyond.
• Research from King’s College London links optimistic attitudes with reduced inflammation and better heart health in later life.

Try This Instead:

✅ “I deserve to feel strong and full of energy.”
✅ “I am prioritising my wellbeing and longevity.”
✅ “I am capable of creating a healthy, vibrant future.”

Daily Longevity Habits to Rewire Your Mindset

1️⃣ Morning Visualisation:

Start your day by picturing yourself thriving, strong, energised, and full of life.

The University of Exeter found that visualisation techniques enhance motivation and resilience, supporting healthy ageing.

2️⃣ Affirmations:

Say powerful words out loud:

• “I am investing in my future health.”
• “I deserve to live a long, vibrant life.”

Research from the European Journal of Social Psychology confirms that affirmations improve mindset and long-term behaviour change.

3️⃣ Move Your Body:

Exercise is non-negotiable for longevity.

The UK’s National Institute for Health and Care Research (NIHR) reports that regular movement can slow biological ageing by up to 10 years.

✔️ Strength training maintains muscle mass and metabolism
✔️ Walking boosts heart health and brain function
✔️ Yoga improves flexibility and stress resilience

4️⃣ Prioritise Sleep & Recovery:

Poor sleep accelerates ageing. According to the European Sleep Research Society, restorative sleep reduces inflammation, improves cognitive function, and balances hormones linked to longevity.

💡 Tip: Try magnesium, chamomile tea, and screen-free evenings to optimise sleep quality.

5️⃣ Eat for Longevity:

A longevity-focused diet includes anti-inflammatory foods:

Turmeric and ginger for anti-inflammatory benefits

Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel) for omega-3s

Leafy greens (spinach, kale) for brain health

Antioxidant-rich berries to fight cellular ageing

The Role of Social Connection in Longevity

One of the biggest predictors of a long, happy life is strong social connections (Harvard Study of Adult Development).

💡 UK Research:

A British Medical Journal (BMJ) study found that socially active individuals over 50 had a 60% lower risk of cognitive decline than those who were isolated.

Example:

Emma, 47, struggled with motivation, until she joined a Netwalking group. Now, her weekly walks boost her mood, movement, and motivation.

Conclusion: You Hold the Key to Your Longevity

A long, vibrant life is not about luck. It is about daily choices, mindset shifts, and self-belief.

📌 Write this down:
“I am building the life I deserve. I deserve to feel strong, vibrant, and full of energy.”

When you believe you are worthy of longevity, you make choices that support it. Shift your mindset, take action, and watch your life transform.