From ‘Balang Araw’ to ‘Ngayon Na’

For many Filipinos, the idea of prioritising long-term health, financial security, and personal well-being is often relegated to “balang araw”—that vague, distant future.

But what if that “balang araw” is arriving much sooner than expected? The reality is, conditions once mostly seen in older age groups—like stroke, digestive diseases, and hypertension—are now emerging among adults as young as their 30s. The Department of Health’s Philippine Health Statistics 2021 report points to the rise of lifestyle-related illnesses in younger populations, primarily due to poor diet, inactivity, stress, and irregular sleep patterns.

The message is clear: the choices we make today—in our 20s and 30s—have a profound effect on how we live in our 50s and beyond. It’s time to shift our focus from a future-based aspiration to a present-day strategy.

Age is More Than Just a Number: Chronological vs. Biological

We all know our chronological age—the number of years we’ve lived. But a more critical metric is your biological age, which reflects how well your body systems are actually functioning.

The World Health Organization (WHO) explains that getting older isn’t just about counting years. What truly drives ageing is the gradual build-up of small amounts of damage inside our cells and organs over time. These changes are “neither linear nor consistent” and are only loosely associated with the number of candles on your birthday cake.

This is why two people who are the exact same age can have vastly different levels of health: one may function like someone much younger, while the other experiences decline more typical of someone older. Some 80-year-olds, in fact, retain physical and mental capacities comparable to people in their 30s.

Healthy Ageing: It’s About Functional Ability

The key to winning the “ageing game” is not the absence of disease, but the “process of developing and maintaining the functional ability that enables well-being in older age”.

In other words, ageing well is less about waiting for time to pass and more about preserving your strength, purpose, and quality of life at every stage. Healthy ageing doesn’t happen overnight; it’s built with consistency.

The foundation is made up of:

• Small, intentional habits
• Regular movement (to maintain circulation and muscle tone)
• Balanced nutrition
• Rest (to restore the body’s cellular defenses)
• Stress management (for mental balance, hormone stability, and immune support)

Nutrition as a Core Ally: Meeting Nutritional Gaps with EnPlus Gold

Despite our growing awareness and best intentions, busy lifestyles often leave nutritional gaps.

This is where EnPlus Gold, an adult nutritional powder drink, can make a difference. It serves as a core ally in your journey toward proactive health.

EnPlus Gold offers a balanced, complete nutritional profile with high-quality protein, essential vitamins, and minerals. These components work to support crucial functions:

• Muscle strength
• Energy metabolism
• Digestive function

Regular intake of EnPlus Gold complements an active lifestyle, helping ensure your body receives the necessary nutrients to stay strong, resilient, and energized.

READ: #QuakerFit Breakfast Club: Kickstart Your Day the Healthy Way!

The Bottom Line

Good health isn’t something you achieve overnight—it’s built with consistency. The best time to start healthy aging was balang araw. But the message is clear: balang araw is actually ngayon na.

With the right nutrition ally, balanced habits, and a proactive mindset, aging doesn’t have to be about decline.

By moving more, resting better, and nourishing wisely—with a complete nutrition supplement like EnPlus Gold—you are investing in your vitality. You can age strong, live smart, and stay golden—today and every day.