Moving and eating well: scientifically proven keys to healthy ageing
Mobility and nutrition are two major components of preventing loss of autonomy. At a geroscience round table, four experts – Professor France Mourey, Professor Agathe Raynaud-Simon, Professor Yves Rolland and Dr Jean-Marc Brondello – shared their vision of active ageing, informed by recent advances in research and a far cry from the preconceptions that still hinder preventative action.
An in-depth discussion with the experts: Prof. France Mourey, Prof. Agathe Raynaud-Simon, Prof. Yves Rolland and Dr Jean-Marc Brondello
Mobility: a function to be preserved at any age
Professor France Mourey believes that slowing down at 80 or 90 is not inevitable.
A shuffling gait, long considered a normal part of ageing, actually reflects a pathological walk that is often linked to musculoskeletal or cognitive disorders.
She emphasises two strong ideas:
- Moving differently does not mean moving less: adapting physical activity programmes to take account of ageing does not mean making them “gentler”, but more precise and better targeted.
- Movement must be meaningful: among the elderly, physical activity works best when it engages the brain, has a purpose and is connected to daily life (e.g. tai chi, cognitive-motor training).
The core message is that mobility is a decisive component of ageing well, and one that must be protected well before frailty arises.
The consequences of mobility loss: a domino effect
Reduced mobility does not just affect walking, but can also result in:
- social isolation;
- loss of autonomy;
- mood disorders;
- decreased cognitive activity;
- chronic pain;
- accelerated functional decline.
Professor Mourey warns of the need for early intervention, especially when faced with “minor frailties” that are often trivialised.
Nutrition: misconceptions that hinder prevention
Professor Agathe Raynaud-Simon sees one common misconception as particularly dangerous: it’s normal for elderly people to lose weight after they reach 60 or 70 – they’re just ageing.
- A healthy elderly person does not lose weight.
- Any weight loss is a red flag that needs investigation.
- Undernutrition is a silent disease: left unchecked, it progresses without complaint and without pain, and often goes unnoticed.
Remember: people can regain muscle at any age, even if they are 100 years old and live in a nursing home, with adapted physical activity and the right nutritional intake.
Eating well in later life: not the same needs as at 30
Nutritional prevention must be adapted over the course of life.
Unlike general messaging (“eat less fatty, salty and sugary food”), older adults need:
- to eat a richer diet;
- to monitor their weight regularly;
- to preserve their muscle mass;
- to identify any weight loss over 3-5 kg.
Muscle is a highly trainable organ, even late in life.
Activity, diet, stimulation: geroscience’s contribution (Professor Yves Rolland)
Professor Rolland highlights the fact that non-pharmacological interventions are currently the most effective ways to prevent loss of autonomy: physical activity, nutrition, cognitive stimulation, sleep and social connection.
The ICOPE Intense study, conducted as part of the XPRIZE Longevity Prize, combines:
- personalised physical activity,
- tailored nutrition,
- cognitive stimulation,
- improved sleep,
- lifestyle support.
The aim is to gain 10 functional years by targeting three pillars: motor skills, cognition and immunity.
Gerotherapies and research: promises and limits (Dr Jean-Marc Brondello)
Advances in geroscience are opening up new avenues:
- understanding senescent cells (“zombie cells”);
- exploring biomarkers;
- investigating the role of ketone bodies;
- assessing the potential interest of molecules such as metformin or rapamycin.
But the message is clear: No molecule can currently replace the effects of physical activity, good nutrition and maintaining functions.
Geroscience’s primary goal is to delay age-related diseases, not to prolong life indefinitely.
Prevention: an approach that starts early but continues throughout life
The experts agree:
- there’s no “official age” at which to start prevention;
- 50 years old is a good point at which to start strengthening functional reserves;
- but prevention is a lifelong continuum, from childhood to old age.
Younger generations’ sedentary lifestyles are already a major determinant of future ageing.
Ageing: not longer, but better
The experts reiterate the key goal: increasing healthy life expectancy by maintaining essential functions and delaying the onset of diseases.
Geroscience does not seek to achieve a fantasy of immortality – instead, it supports active, autonomous ageing done with intention.
Key takeaways
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