Rethink Your Reality: Why Lifestyle Trumps Genetics in Life’s Third Act
We often hold onto rigid, outdated ideas about how the ageing process works, but the truth is that much of what we take as fact is simply false. At Oasis Life, we believe it is time to reimagine what this stage of life looks like. We are here to help you reinvent your daily routine and relish the freedom that comes with Life’s Third Act.
This month, we are revisiting the science of longevity with Salome Kraamwinkel (founder of Sien and our Ageless Grace movement partner). Her research, based on insights from leaders like Dr. Deepak Chopra, proves that while your birth certificate is fixed, your biological age is yours to reorganise.
6 Ageing Myths to Remove from Your Mindset
1. Your Genes Predetermine Your Health
While your DNA sequence is fixed, epigenetics shows that gene expression depends on how you live. Over 80% of old-age concerns or chronic illnesses are linked to lifestyle habits. This means you have the power to recode your future, “dialing up” the good genes through consistency in movement, diet, and sleep.
2. Getting Older Means Feeling Older
Your chronological age is just a number. Your biological age—measured by markers like bone density and blood pressure—is something you can rethink and improve in real-time by changing your environment and activity levels.
3. Your Body Naturally Becomes Frail
Frailty is often a result of “disuse” rather than the passage of time. Strength and muscle mass can actually be regained through resistance training at any age. Instead of waiting for the world to adapt to us, we help you recondition your body to adapt to the world.
4. Your Brain is Destined to Deteriorate
Thanks to neuroplasticity, your brain continues to produce new nerve cells and build connections every single day. You can reprogramme your cognitive health by staying mentally and physically engaged, building new neural pathways well into your 80s and 90s.
5. Your Energy Automatically Decreases
Energy isn’t a finite resource that runs out; it is something your body is constantly regenerating. By realigning your sleep, social interactions, and movement, you can maintain a high level of vitality.
6. The Older You Are, the Unhappier You Are
Evidence suggests that many people actually find more joy as they age. Happiness in Life’s Third Act is about reconnecting with your purpose, practicing gratitude, and choosing the right “tribe.”
Secure Your Future: Reinventing Retirement with Life Rights
To truly relish this stage of life, you need a foundation of absolute security. At Oasis Life, we invite you to rethink property ownership through our Life Right model—a smart, future-forward alternative to traditional homeownership.
A Levy That Fuels Your Reinspirement
One of the most significant ways we reorganise the retirement experience is through what our Life Right levy provides. Oasis LIfe doesn’t just maintain buildings; we invest in your quality of life. Your monthly levy is a direct investment in a comprehensive Social, Health, and Wellness Programme, including:
- Ageless Grace Movement Classes: Expert-led sessions designed to retrigger neuroplasticity and physical coordination.
- Curated Workshops & Events: Opportunities to learn new skills, hear from experts, and reinspire your curiosity.
- Active Social Calendar: We facilitate the “Right Tribe,” making it easy to re-engage with a community of like-minded people.
- Integrated Healthcare: Primary healthcare and screenings that allow you to reassure yourself and your family that your health is a priority.
By removing the burden of external maintenance and the risk of special levies, the Life Right model allows you to redirect your energy toward living.
Re-engage the Brain with Salome Kraamwinkel
At Oasis Life Constantia, we put these principles into practice through Ageless Grace classes. This isn’t just exercise; it is a way to resync the brain and body.
Salome’s “brain-body” program focuses on:
- Neuro-Active Tools: 21 specific movements designed to re-energise the nervous system.
- Functional Play: Using movement to keep the body adaptable and ready for anything.
- Social Connection: A chance to rejoice in movement alongside neighbours and friends.
Longevity Lessons: Revisiting the Blue Zones
The world’s longest-lived people inhabit “Blue Zones,” where they naturally follow the Power 9 principles. We’ve reincorporated these into the Oasis Life community lifestyle:
- Move Naturally: We create environments that encourage you to re-explore walking and gardening.
- Purpose: Knowing your “why” can add seven years to your life expectancy.
- The 80% Rule: Refining your diet to stop eating when you are 80% full.
- Right Tribe: Surrounding yourself with people who support your healthy choices.
It Is Never Too Late to Reinvent
Your Third Act is yours to write. Whether it is through rightsizing your home via a Life Right or recommitting to your physical health, you have the power to reimagine your reality starting today.
About the Contributor
Salome Kraamwinkel is the founder of Sien and a specialist in movement for Life’s Third Act. She leads regular classes at Oasis Life Constantia, helping residents reclaim their vitality through science-based play and exercise.
- Connect with Salome: @agelesssalome | sienperspective.com
- Experience Oasis Life: Book a tour at one of our estates to see our wellness programmes in action.
