Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Proven ways to help pets age healthily and stay active
By González-Ballesteros LM et al.·2026·Department of Psychiatry and Mental Health·View original on Europe PMC →
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Original publication title: Evidence-based interventions for promoting healthy aging: a scoping review.
Plain-English summary
This study looked at ways to help people age healthily, especially in countries where many are facing chronic health issues. The researchers reviewed a large number of studies to find out which interventions, like exercise, nutrition, and mental health support, were most effective for older adults. They found that programs combining physical activity, healthy eating, and mental exercises tended to improve people's overall function and wellbeing. However, there wasn't as much evidence on how broader environmental and policy changes could help. The researchers concluded that the best approaches are those that combine different strategies and are tailored to specific cultural needs.
Abstract
<h4>Background</h4>Population aging poses a major demographic challenge, particularly in low- and middle-income countries where chronic and neurocognitive conditions are increasing. The World Health Organization defines healthy ageing as the process of maintaining functional ability through the interaction between intrinsic capacity (physical and mental health) and environmental factors across the life course, emphasizing function rather than disease absence.<h4>Objectives</h4>This scoping review synthesized scientific evidence on interventions that promote healthy ageing across the life course, following the Joanna Briggs Institute PCC framework.<h4>Methods</h4>A comprehensive search was conducted in PubMed, Scielo, EMBASE, PsycINFO, Cochrane, and LILACS without language or date restrictions. From 5,808 records, 219 studies met the inclusion criteria, including systematic reviews, clinical trials, quasi-experimental, and observational studies.<h4>Results</h4>Most interventions focused on physical and mental health in adult and older populations. Multicomponent physical activity, nutritional, and cognitive interventions showed consistent benefits for functional ability and wellbeing, while evidence on life-course, environmental, and policy-level interventions remained limited.<h4>Conclusions</h4>Integrative, multicomponent, and culturally adapted interventions are most effective for promoting healthy ageing. Future research should adopt life-course approaches and prioritize long-term, well-powered studies to inform equitable ageing policies.
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Search related cases →Original publication on Europe PMC: https://europepmc.org/article/MED/41934874