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The Four Pillars Of Healthy Aging

At Amway, we are committed to advancing the science of healthspan. Through decades of investing in innovation and leveraging the expertise of scientists from around the globe, Amway’s research has identified four key pillars that shape how we age: phytonutrients, gut microbiome, exposome and cellular health. Each factor tells a more complete picture of how we support our healthspan.

Amway Research & Development (R&D) scientists, advisors from the Amway Scientific Advisory Board and other global experts, recently showcased their findings on healthy aging at the Healthspan in Action event in Tokyo. The convening included a deep dive into the four pillars of healthy aging in addition to insights on current and emerging research. 

The first step to healthy aging often begins with the foods we eat. Phytonutrients, which are naturally occurring compounds found in plants, play a critical role in improving our health and protecting our bodies. Acting as antioxidants, phytonutrients have historically been known to reduce the risk of chronic diseases. Emerging research has also attributed phytonutrients to slowing ageing-related conditions at a cellular level. Therefore, making small changes like adding more plant-based foods to your plate can have a meaningful, cumulative impact over time. 

Having a phytonutrient rich diet also contributes to a healthy gut microbiome i.e. the ecosystem of bacteria that live in the intestines. According to Nikky Contractor, Global R&D Leader at Amway, “Emerging scientific research shows that the delicate balance of the gut microbiome directly and indirectly impacts other body functions and overall health and wellbeing.

This growing understanding is reshaping how we think about health. Amway’s principal scientist, Dr. Rema Vazhappilly has pointed out that “the interactions between phytonutrients and the gut microbiome are not to be neglected, as these could produce beneficial metabolites and positive health outcomes”. 

From how well your immune system fights off illness to the quality of sleep you get each night, your gut plays a central role in all of it. For those pursuing a better healthspan and healthier aging, a balanced microbiome could be one of the most powerful levers to have for supporting holistic wellbeing as we get older.

Of course, our health is shaped by more than what we eat. Every day, we’re influenced by the world around us or the exposome, which includes UV exposure, air quality, stress and movement. Exposomal considerations have a profound impact on our biological resilience. That’s why Amway scientists are continuing to explore how these external factors impact our long-term health and how small, intentional changes can help improve resilience over time.

At the center of it all is cellular health and vitality. Cellular vitality is the cell’s ability to consume nutrients, create energy and produce the building blocks of a functional body. Cellular resilience is the ability to fight stressors and recover from damage.  Emerging science is continuing to show that aging begins at the cellular level. But as we age, cells lose their efficiency to perform their job effectively.

The ways to support cellular health are often simple. Eating a balanced diet rich in antioxidants, regular exercise, stress management and ensuring you get enough sleep are all effective ways to support your cellular health. These practices, repeated over time, help shape how we feel today and how we age tomorrow.

At Amway, we’re committed to ensuring that the science of healthy aging is more accessible. By combining research, scientific expertise and thoughtfully created products, we’re helping people better understand their health and take meaningful steps toward a longer, healthier life.