A generational guide to food, fitness and health

Former US president Theodore Roosevelt once said, "Old age is like everything else. To make a success of it, you've got to start young." There's some truth to that.

Your wellbeing at any given time is affected by a variety of factors, such as your immune system, metabolism, strength, appetite, hormones, activity levels and underlying health conditions. These factors can change suddenly or gradually over time, but either way, being in good health is always a privilege.

The problem is that many people believe they are in better health than they actually are. For example, estimates indicate that around 1.58 million South Africans have undiagnosed diabetes. If left untreated, this can lead to nerve and kidney damage, as well as a number of other equally concerning complications.

"If a chronic illness is picked up early, people can avoid the devastating effects of an unchecked illness down the line. People need to be empowered to get an insight into their personal health status. This is an important step to knowing and managing one's health," says head of Vitality Wellness, Dr Craig Nossel.

It's never too early to start prioritising your wellness

No matter how old you are, the good habits and healthy behaviours you practice today will do you well in the future, just as unhealthy habits catch up to you as you age. The good news is that there are many ways you can protect and nurture your wellbeing as you age - from eating balanced, healthy meals and keeping fit to staying up to date with health screenings relevant to your age group and family history.

To ensure you get the most out of each decade, we asked a dietician, a biokineticisit and a doctor how to maintain a good diet, fitness level and health status over the years. Check these articles for their practical tips and advice:

• How to be at your best in your 20s
• How to be at your best in your 30s
• How to be at your best in your 40s
• How to be at your best in your 50s
• How to be at your best in your 60s and beyond

Information isn't enough to incentivise healthy behaviours

Now that you're armed with the knowledge, remember that it takes commitment and dedication to follow through and reap the benefits in older age. As Dr Nossel says, "We have learnt that simply educating people about the importance of screening and adopting healthy behaviours is not enough to shift these complex habits. Innovative solutions are needed to shift the dial on positive health behaviour change."

He adds, "Vitality data has proven that rewards are an effective driver. We have seen screening rates triple, and physical activity and purchases of healthy foods increase. These are the results of engaged members who have seen the value and rewards of a healthier lifestyle." So this Youth Month, make a point of using all Vitality's benefits and rewards to the maximum and start enjoying your best health at every age.