Which of the following is a key action for promoting healthy ageing?

• A. Invest in private health insurance
• B. Avoid smoking
• C. Reduce exercise to prevent injuries
• D. Skip yearly checkups

Answer: (B)

Healthy ageing is supported by actions that reduce the risk of chronic disease and maintain function. The most impactful action among the options is avoiding smoking. Smoking is a major modifiable risk factor for cardiovascular disease, lung disease, many cancers, and accelerated functional decline. Quitting smoking lowers exposure to harmful substances, improves vascular health and lung function, reduces risk of heart attack and stroke over time, and can add healthy years to life. This makes it the strongest lifestyle measure to promote healthy ageing.

Other choices don’t have the same impact. Private health insurance can improve access to care but doesn’t by itself prevent disease. Reducing exercise would undermine key benefits of physical activity for strength, balance, bone health, and cognitive function. Skipping yearly checkups removes opportunities for early detection and management of age-related conditions.