Of Politicians And Ageing Well

Weekends are great because I get to catch up on some backlog reading and listen to interesting podcasts. This morning, I was listening to a conversation on Raj Shamani’s podcast, in which his guest, Dr. Adarsh Narahari of Primus Senior Living, spoke about ageing, loneliness, and how we care for our parents. In the middle of that discussion, the guest asked a question that made me sit up:

Which profession lives the longest?

Raj paused, clearly thinking. Before he could answer, Dr. Adarsh answered his own question, “Politicians.”

It sounded counterintuitive at first. But the reasoning was surprisingly compelling.

He explained that politicians unknowingly develop four habits that slow ageing.

First, they are constantly on the move. Rallies, travel, public meetings. Their lives rarely allow them to be sedentary. Movement, for them, is simply part of the job.

Second, they are mentally switched on at all times. Tracking alliances, anticipating rivals, watching what is happening in every constituency.

Third, they wake up each day with a strong sense of purpose. To win, to serve, to stay relevant.

And finally, they are never lonely. They are always engaged with people and the community.

Listening to this, I was reminded of what researchers have found in the world’s Blue Zones. Places where people routinely live past 100.

Movement. Mental engagement. Purpose. Community.

This, perhaps, is the secret to ageing well. And Politicians know it !!