The Real Costs of Lifestyle-Related Diseases. Gaining clarity as a first step to building a strong Health Reflex
Paul Brundtland
 

I define Health Reflex as your ability to consistently make and sustain health-affirming decisions. An essential part of this idea is that you can do this even when life gets busy or when this entails forming new habits. 
 

How much is that ability worth when you’re in your 50s?
 

Many people become set in their ways by this stage in life — sometimes on a trajectory that leads to preventable, lifestyle-related illnesses. Conditions like type 2 diabetes, obesity, cardiovascular disease, and chronic respiratory disease can frequently be avoided with healthier choices — if we’re able to make them and stick to them. That’s exactly what a strong health reflex supports.
 

It’s tempting to rely on luck. We’ve all heard stories of someone who drank or smoked their way to 90. But these outliers often had other balancing habits — they never over-ate, got enough sleep, or stayed active in their own way. Be that as it may, once we reach our 50s, the risk of chronic disease rises sharply. Whether or not you’ve been lucky so far, now is the right time to respond. That response can greatly improve your day-to-day well-being and stack the odds in your favor for the years ahead. With health, there are of course no guarantees. That said, in a recent survey that I conducted, the majority of people noted that enjoyment was one of the main reasons they keep up their habits. Their message was clear: Enjoy more now to enjoy more later.
 

In case you haven’t thought of it in these terms, below I’ve compiled a few real-world estimates of the financial and quality-of-life costs associated with these common diseases. These were estimated or inferred from health economic literature and referenced reports—they are only here to give an idea of the costs. I've also included a few potential benefits to be gained through healthy habits.

Costs aside, even if you are well-insured, or financially free, I think we can agree that health is priceless. The ability to make health-affirming choices—your health reflex—isn’t just about avoiding expenses or disease; it’s about gaining more energy, freedom, and enjoyment from every stage of life. By strengthening this reflex now, you’re investing in a future with more possibilities and more good days. No matter where you start, the steps you take today can add up to a healthier, more vibrant next chapter.

I've said it before and I'll say it again: wouldn't it be great to make our generation the healthiest seniors the world has ever known? 

Be well,
Paul

 

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