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Neurosurgeon with 33 years of experience shares 3 simple habits that can change how you age

Published on: Oct 3, 2025, 09:02:54 IST
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A daily 20-minute walk can have numerous benefits for both circulation and brain health. (Shutterstock)
A daily 20-minute walk can have numerous benefits for both circulation and brain health. (Shutterstock)

Dr Prashant Katakol revealed three simple habits to promote healthy ageing – when practised consistently, these habits can have a lifelong impact.

Can certain daily habits potentially reduce the risk of age-related diseases and promote overall well-being? Sure, regular walks boost circulation and help you stay active, but can they also enhance mental agility and delay age-related cognitive impairment? According to Dr Prashant Katakol – a neurosurgeon with '33 plus years of experience in neuroscience', who graduated from NIMHANS – they can. Also read | NHS doctor shares '5 everyday habits that are ageing your brain': Doom scrolling to skipping meals, especially breakfast

Daily 20-minute walk boosts brain health

Dr Katakol took to Instagram on October 1 to share three simple habits that, when followed consistently, can ‘slow ageing’. He wrote in his caption: “As a neurosurgeon in my 50s, here’s what I wish I had done in my 30s and 40s... stress, poor sleep, and processed food wear you down long before symptoms show up. Start early; your future self will thank you.”

Here's what he suggested:

1. A 20-minute daily walk for circulation and brain health

2. 7–8 hours of uninterrupted sleep for vital recovery

3. Simple home-cooked meals to protect your health

Do these 3 things to protect yourself

In the video he posted, Dr Katakol explained these and said: “As a neurosurgeon in my 50s, here is something I wish I knew in my 30s and 40s. Your nervous system is the foundation of how you age. Stress, poor sleep and bad food wear it down long before the symptoms show up. If I were to go back, here are three things that I would do to protect myself. 20-minute walk daily to boost circulation and brain health. 7 to 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep to help vital recovery. And simple home-cooked food. I cannot emphasise this enough. Start these habits in your 30s and 40s, and your 50-year-old self will thank you.”

Note to readers: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.

This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.

  • Sanya Panwar
    ABOUT THE AUTHOR
    Sanya Panwar

    With a keen eye for detail and a heart for storytelling, Sanya is a seasoned lifestyle journalist who has spent over a decade documenting the intersection of aesthetics and substance. Since stepping into the media world in 2012, she has cultivated a career defined by versatility, curiosity, and an unwavering passion for what makes life both beautiful and meaningful. Over the last many years, she has navigated the fast-paced realms of health, wellness, fitness and fashion while pivoting seamlessly into the nuances of decor and travel. Her work often explores the deeper layers of modern living, delving into art and decor trends that transform spaces, insightful perspectives on gender, parenting, and mental health, immersive travel narratives that capture the essence of a destination. A self-proclaimed aesthetics enthusiast, Sanya doesn't just report on trends — she analyses them. Whether she’s identifying the next shift in fitness or discovering a breakthrough in design, she uses her platform to spark meaningful conversations that resonate with a contemporary audience. Sanya is an alumna of St. Xavier’s College, Kolkata, and the Asian College of Journalism (ACJ), Chennai, where she honed the investigative rigour she brings to her lifestyle reporting today. When she isn't chasing deadlines or conducting interviews, Sanya practices what she preaches. You’ll likely find her sipping matcha, practicing yoga, or scouting the newest cafes. Above all, she finds her balance in nature — whether it's a quiet hike or a moment of reflection in the outdoors, she remains constantly inspired by the tranquillity of the natural world.Read More

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