Dr Vijay Janagama, Head-Concept and Clinical Excellence, HCAH SuVitas talks about the pandmic and higher focus on wellness
Life after pandemic is not going to be the same again. In time, we will stop wearing masks, travel again and socialise fearlessly. But our perspectives and priorities are going to be different. The novel Coronavirus caused serious disturbances across the world, but on the positive side, it also gave us a new lens to view life, to introspect the many aspects that were ignored or hitherto taken for granted. During the peak of the second wave, many ‘seemingly healthy’ young people succumbed to COVID-19 infection, people continued to stay away from their elders for the fear of exposing them to the virus, offices and schools got used to virtual existence. The world realized the need to have solid immunity, find time to exercise, eat and sleep well, spend quality time with family, altogether the need for ‘healthy ageing.’
Better awareness of health and wellbeing
The pandemic has triggered a new wave of health and wellness among people, especially the youth. A recent study reveals 74 per cent people in the age group of 18 to 34 yrs oldhave started paying more attention to risk factors for health issues like stress, anxiety, body weight, physical fitness, lung health and lifestyle problems causing chronic illnesses. After many countries reported patients with underlying conditions showing highest mortality rates due to COVID-19, 41 per cent people who already have a chronic condition says now they will be more likely to comply with treatment and positive lifestyle. Ever since the pandemic began, 62 per cent have already adopted healthy living practices like spending more time experiencing nature, sleeping adequately, starting or modifying an exercise program and making qualitative dietary changes.
Trending towards healthy ageing
COVID-19 only exposed and exacerbated the ineptitude of India’s healthcare structure, so also the health index of our countrymen. By 2030, Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) may account for 70 per cent of the nation’s disease burden primarily due to our unhealthy food and lifestyle choices. Our life expectancy rates have increased but not the quality of our living. The pandemic gave us all a chance to pause and retrospect. The rising consciousness of health and wellness is definitely not going to be a transient phenomenon. Following are some trends which have emerged in recent times, in response to the positive health influences of the pandemic.
- Mindful eating and drinking- From switching to decaffeinated beverages and non-alcoholic spirits to reduced/sugar-free snacks and functional foods targeting improved wellbeing, people are incorporating more healthier-for-you alternatives in their shopping carts, eliminating calorie-rich, nutrient-deficient foods.
- Clean sleep movement- Erratic or insufficient sleep disrupting people’s focus, overall health and contributing to obesity has caught the attention of today’s generation. As a result, many have started to resort to a range of remedies (sleep-inducing apps, relaxing teas, weighted eye masks etc.) to cut their screen time and get 7-9 hours of quality sleep.
- Digital wellness- Technology will continue to play a major role in realizing health and wellness, especially with people spending more time indoors. Innovative technologies offering smart home workout solutions help in overcoming the two biggest barriers to exercise- time and access.
- Functional fitness- Gone are the days when people measured health in terms of ideal BMI. Beyond cutting those extra kilos, people want better stamina, immunity, longevity and most importantly, strength and coordination. Rehabilitation and recovery care will become a priority as people come to realize ignoring warning signs of the body could backfire in the form of chronic diseases.
- Mental wellbeing- Since the onset of the pandemic, many people reported heightened levels of stress, anxiety and depression. Yet, 78 per cent people in a survey said the pandemic also made them realize the value of relationships. From holistic wellness programs to including more adaptogenic foods in diet, people will emphasize renewed focus on the mind along with the body. Financial wellness will also become another important aspect as people appreciate the connection between financial health and overall wellbeing.
The global wellness market is valued at over $4.75 trillion. People are willing to spend more on their health than on erstwhile popular segments like fashion! As interest in health and wellness has hit a tipping point, it’s time for global economies to create a strategy to minimise the brunt of chronic illnesses and pave foundation for a healthier tomorrow. We will need to work towards creating supporting environments which empower people to achieve long-term health and wellbeing, helping them to age healthy, living more fullfilling and productive life.