As healthcare worldwide increasingly transitions from reactive treatment to preventive wellness, the FICCI Ladies Organisation (FLO), Kolkata Chapter presented an exceptional knowledge session, “Lifespan vs. Healthspan,” under its flagship Health & Wellness Initiative – Power Up! Health. The programme featured internationally acclaimed nutritionist and longevity expert Ryan Fernando, who delivered a compelling and scientifically grounded discourse on redefining healthy ageing through informed lifestyle choices and preventive healthcare.
Attended by 200 FLO members, the session explored one of the most significant shifts in contemporary healthcare—the distinction between lifespan, which measures the total years lived, and healthspan, which reflects the years lived in good physical, mental and emotional health. Ryan Fernando encouraged participants to rethink traditional perceptions of ageing, emphasising that longevity should be measured not merely by survival but by vitality, independence and quality of life.
Drawing upon advancements in nutritional science, functional medicine and longevity research, he highlighted the growing importance of preventive healthcare, advocating early intervention rather than reactive treatment. Members gained valuable insights into the role of regular health screenings, genetic testing, metabolic assessments, cancer screening, body composition analysis and personalised diagnostics in identifying health risks before disease manifests.
A significant focus of the session was personalised nutrition, with Ryan explaining how genetic predisposition, metabolic profiles and lifestyle factors influence nutritional requirements. He demonstrated why customised dietary interventions consistently deliver better health outcomes than generic diet plans, encouraging members to adopt an evidence-based approach to nutrition.
The discussion further explored the critical importance of muscle preservation, describing skeletal muscle as a vital determinant of longevity, metabolic health and functional independence. Ryan emphasised that strength training, adequate protein intake and regular physical activity are indispensable for healthy ageing, particularly for women experiencing hormonal transitions.
Participants also received valuable guidance on women’s hormonal health, menopause, gut health, quality sleep, hydration, stress management, cognitive wellness and sustainable lifestyle practices, gaining practical strategies that can be seamlessly integrated into everyday life. The highly interactive question-and-answer session reflected members’ keen interest in preventive diagnostics, hormone replacement therapy, food intolerances, metabolic health and long-term wellness planning.
The session concluded with participants leaving inspired to view health as a lifelong investment rather than an occasional priority. By bringing together internationally recognised expertise with practical, evidence-based learning, FLO Kolkata once again demonstrated its commitment to creating transformative platforms that empower women to make informed health decisions and embrace healthier, more resilient and purpose-driven lives.