The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated "healthy aging" as its focus for the 2015-2030 period. According to the WHO, healthy aging is the process of developing and maintaining functional abilities that enable well-being and a meaningful life in older age.

Functional ability refers to the capacity to meet basic needs; learn and grow; make decisions; be mobile; build and maintain relationships; and contribute to society.

Exercise is an effective way to maintain health. Photo: Shutterstock

Exercise is an effective way to maintain health. Photo: Shutterstock

Intrinsic capacity and environmental characteristics are crucial for healthy aging.

Intrinsic capacity encompasses an individual's mental and physical abilities, such as walking, thinking, hearing, seeing, and remembering. These abilities can be affected by various factors, including illness and age-related changes.

The environment includes family, community, and society, along with internal factors like personality, relationships, mindset, values, health and social policies, and support systems. A positive environment can help maintain functional ability and intrinsic capacity, which are key to healthy aging.

Having just turned 51, Thu Ha* (District 7, TP HCM) is proactively seeking preventive measures for a healthier and happier life. In addition to daily exercise, regular sleep, and a healthy diet, she also sees a doctor for regular checkups and advice on potential health issues to address them proactively.

"Turning 50, 60, or even older is an opportunity to love and care for yourself better. Don't wait until you're sick to seek treatment; adopt a healthy, positive lifestyle and actively prevent diseases while you can," Ha says. She currently works at a book publishing company and is often complimented by colleagues for her youthful energy.

Enjoying a healthy life with loved ones. Photo: Shutterstock

Enjoying a healthy life with loved ones. Photo: Shutterstock

Not just middle-aged individuals, but young people are also actively showing love and care for their parents and relatives through small, quiet but meaningful gestures. Nhat Trung (27, TP HCM) chooses to jog every morning with his father, both to exercise and to create an opportunity for bonding and sharing. "Seeing my dad happier and more active after each run makes me very happy," Trung says.

Trung also understands that older adults are often hesitant about preventive health checkups. Therefore, he proactively schedules appointments for his parents, listens to the doctor's advice, and encourages them to take better care of themselves. These small but sincere acts make him a strong source of emotional support, bringing joy and peace of mind to the whole family.

Healthy aging starts with proactive healthcare and disease prevention. To realize this, GSK is researching and implementing various solutions to prevent common infectious diseases in adults, while collaborating with professional organizations and healthcare partners to promote public awareness of proactive healthcare.

GSK accompanies Vietnamese people as they enter the aging phase, aiming for healthy bodies, protection against infectious diseases, and strong immune systems through vaccination. By investing in health today, we can maintain a positive spirit and enjoy an energetic, happy, and meaningful life at every age. This is also the message of GSK Vietnam's "Trao dau yeu - Giu suc khoe" (Sharing Love - Maintaining Health) campaign.

Dong Ve

*Name has been changed

Content produced by VnExpress in collaboration with GSK Vietnam Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., with professional approval from the Vietnam Preventive Medicine Association, to raise public awareness.