Aging in good health

At the Kleine Zeitung Business Stage, experts explain how we can actually influence the aging process. First, the sobering news: there is no such thing as a miracle cure that will let us live to the age of 120 in good health without much effort on our part! So, to ensure we can continue to age healthily, will we still have to rely primarily on factors such as a healthy diet, exercise, regular medical check-ups, etc.? And what can scientists, pharmacies and companies do to help ensure that we remain healthy and active for as long as possible?

Five experts discussed these and many other questions in the Skyroom of the Styria Media Centre at the Kleine Zeitung Business Stage, whilst also sharing their insights and perspectives on the topic of ‘Healthy Ageing – growing older in good health’: Christian Kladiva, Executive Director of Merkur Insurance; Lukas Schinko, CEO of the hearing aid company Neuroth; scientist Corina Madreiter-Sokolowski from the Medical University of Graz; general practitioner Kristina Hütter-Klepp; and Alexandra Fuchsbichler, pharmacist and President of the Styrian Chamber of Pharmacists.

What does Aging mean?

The human body is made up of more than 400 cell types, which age at different rates. But what they all have in common is that the genetic information they carry becomes increasingly damaged as we grow older. The mitochondria – the powerhouses of the cells – also cease to function as effectively. Together, this impairs the cells’ functionality – in other words, we age.

The trend towards ‘longevity’ – that is, the pursuit of a healthy life into old age – and the associated lifestyle advice, supplements and active ingredients are currently on everyone’s lips. How much of this is scientifically based?

Corina Madreiter-Sokolowski: Much of what is promised is not based on representative clinical trials. Testing an active ingredient on perhaps ten people is simply not enough. The factors influencing our ageing process are far too complex for that.

Alexandra Fuchsbichler: And as for the ‘miracle cures’ that are circulating through various channels, I have to disappoint everyone, even as a pharmacist: I haven’t come across the pill for staying forever young, and it doesn’t exist.

So which measures for healthier ageing are actually scientifically proven?

Madreiter-Sokolowski: Plant-based, calorie-reduced diets are easy to implement and effective. Personal health literacy is also a very significant factor.

Fuchsbichler: I can only agree with that. We need to start with our children, teaching them health literacy. This has been proven to add years to life. Ensuring that people can enjoy these years in good health is one of the core tasks of the pharmacy as an accessible and health-promoting institution.

Kristina Hütter-Klepp: It is well-known things like healthy eating, exercise, sufficient sleep, etc., that allow us to age more healthily. Very important: it is never too late to change your lifestyle!

Mr Kladiva, Merkur Insurance, whose slogan is ‘Insuring the miracle of life’, surely has a pretty good overview of its clients’ state of health?

Christian Kladiva: As Austria’s oldest insurance company and a pioneer in the field of prevention, we know that health changes can become more frequent during certain stages of life. Together with partners in the healthcare sector, such insights can help to further develop preventive care and treatment in a targeted manner – with the clear aim of supporting people in staying fit for as long as possible.

And what measures can a large company like Neuroth take to support the health of its employees, Mr Schinko?

Lukas Schinko: For me, the most important measure is a healthy corporate culture. If employees feel at ease, that alone reduces stress levels enormously. Added to this are initiatives such as targeted education and regular health checks. For instance, a hearing aid can significantly reduce the risk of age-related conditions such as dementia in cases of hearing loss.

Hütter-Klepp: Yes, companies are a good place to communicate preventive health measures to a large number of people.

What is the maximum age humans are actually built to live to?

Madreiter-Sokolowski: Mathematical models suggest an age of up to 125 years.

Suppose you became Health Minister. Which preventive measure would be your top priority?

Kladiva: Promoting healthy eating and exercise in nurseries.

Madreiter-Sokolowski: A focus on improving health literacy in schools.

Hütter-Klepp: A communication campaign to raise health awareness.

Fuchsbichler: A prevention/health account with personalised health services such as screening tests or vaccinations.

Schinko: Anything that promotes a greater zest for life and healthy self-esteem.

Source: Kleine Zeitung, 24 April 2026