It is never too late to start making changes. Adopting a healthy lifestyle can drastically improve your health at any age, even if someone is already suffering from one or more chronic illnesses. Of course, the sooner you start, the better, but it is never too late to turn back the clock. 

The benefits of improving your diet, engaging in regular exercise and cognitive training don’t build up for people who have been doing this all along. You can make changes in your 50s, 60s and 70s that result in a healthier, longer life. 

In some of our studies, we have seen dramatic and rapid health gains in middle-aged and elderly people affected by chronic illnesses, including obesity, type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and diabetic kidney disease. Also, a growing body of evidence strongly suggests that changing your lifestyle can reduce the risk of cancer recurrence, improve cognitive function in people with early dementia, and influence mental health in people affected by depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.