Surprise your brain: Dr Navin Gnanasekaran shares simple secret to living longer

Want to live longer and stay healthier as you age? Dr Navin Gnanasekaran, head of radiology at Apollo Hospitals, says the answer may lie in keeping the brain active, building muscle strength and staying curious rather than chasing expensive supplements or unproven anti-ageing treatments. Speaking at the India Today HealthWealth Summit, Gnanasekaran highlighted the difference between lifespan and healthspan — the number of years a person lives in good health, with physical independence and quality of life. Discussing whether humans could live up to 200 years, he said the focus should be on ageing well, not simply extending life. “If you want to live long, you should have the curiosity of a child,” he said. Gnanasekaran recommended challenging the brain through new experiences, such as learning a language, picking up a musical instrument or brushing one's teeth with the non-dominant hand. He shared that he had started learning the saxophone himself. He also described muscles as the “fountain of youth”, stressing their importance in maintaining strength, mobility and independence. Racket sports such as badminton, he said, can engage the body, eyes and brain through movement and coordination. The doctor highlighted vitamin B12 deficiency as a concern, particularly among vegetarians, and advised checking levels and taking supplements under appropriate medical guidance when needed. He also discussed iron, vitamin D and health assessments, including thyroid and liver function tests. “The best things in life are free,” he said, cautioning against spending excessively on unproven longevity products. His central message was that healthy ageing depends on consistent habits: staying physically active, learning continuously, nurturing friendships and maintaining curiosity.