ABU DHABI // For Jules Lewis, maintaining good health after the age of 40 is of the upmost importance – and it is not just about keeping in good physical shape.
“I think your health is your first wealth. Everything else revolves around that,” said the founder of Mountain High, a group that runs personal development programmes for women with a major focus on health and wellness.
“If you are fit and healthy – that means mentally, physically, emotionally and spiritually – you can have your career, you can have your family, you have energy to do all the things you want to do,” said Mrs Lewis, 51.
The British expat, who has lived in the UAE for 14 years, believes 50 is the new 30.
“We are living longer, at least 10 years longer, than ever before,” she said. “I think what we do now, in our 50s, plays a big part in how we are going to be in our 60s and 70s.”
The Abu Dhabi resident is aware of the changing needs of her body as she gets older, and a healthy, balanced, nutritious diet is part of that. Exercise is also crucial and she tries to be outside as much as possible.
“I do something every day, either a swim or yoga or kayaking,” Mrs Lewis said. “As long as you are moving your body, you have the endorphin effect.
“It’s a balance, something for your mind, to keep your mind free and energising your body.
She said she deliberately made an effort to counteract the stresses of city living in the 21st century.
“It’s how can I balance that out and counteract it,” Mrs Lewis said. “A walk in the park, a swim in the sea, there’s a lot of things you can do that’s free.”
She goes for regular health check-ups and screening for cervical and breast cancer.
“I think self-care is really important and I think it’s excellent that more and more information is coming out in the media now about the benefits.”
ecleland@thenational.ae
