How crucial is it to inspire and motivate individuals to adopt and sustain healthier lifestyle choices in today’s diverse landscape of options?

In today’s fast-paced world with so many options and a growing need for healthier choices, inspiring people to live better lives is more important than ever. A healthy lifestyle isn’t just about feeling good, it boosts productivity, happiness and community wellbeing. As someone in the health and wellness space, I believe it’s our responsibility to make wellness accessible and achievable for everyone to make this ripple effect happen.

By fostering awareness and motivation, we help individuals navigate choices and prioritise self-care amid life’s demands. Leading by example, and providing simple and practical solutions, makes wellness feel doable; it makes for healthier lives, not only for individuals but entire communities too.

Kavitha Amaratunga
Co-Founder
Perero Wellness

Prioritising health is not merely a personal choice but essential for human endeavour and societal growth. By encouraging healthier lifestyles, we can alleviate the burden on healthcare systems, enhance workforce productivity, and cultivate a more vibrant and resilient society. Investing in preventive healthcare and promoting healthy behaviours – such as regular exercise, balanced nutrition and stress management – is an investment in our shared future.

By adopting these practices, individuals can reduce the risk of chronic disease, improve mental and physical wellbeing, and improve their quality of life. Furthermore, a healthy population contributes to a stronger economy and prosperous society. By fostering a culture of wellness, we can empower individuals to make informed choices and lead healthier lives.

Dr. Thiasha Fernando
Deputy Managing Director
Ninewells Hospital

Encouraging and motivating individuals to adopt healthier lifestyle choices isn’t just important; it’s essential for real and lasting change. In a world where we’re surrounded by endless trends and quick fixes, it’s crucial to focus on what actually works for each person. I’ve seen how people thrive when they discover their own path to wellness, viewing healthy choices not as restrictions but as stepping stones toward their personal goals.

When we inspire others to prioritise their wellbeing, we create a ripple effect that benefits society as a whole. I’ve found that focussing on practical and enjoyable steps helps people stay committed. Small and consistent changes can lead to transformative results, and the key is to make healthier living feel accessible and achievable for everyone.

Arnila Gunaratne
Founder
Gaia Learning

It isn’t only crucial to inspire and motivate individuals to adopt a healthier lifestyle; it has become inevitable. With increasing health complications and challenges – irrespective of age, social class, employment or other factors – the shift towards healthier living is no longer optional. However, the real challenge lies in achieving sustainable adaptation to a healthier lifestyle amid the demands of busy routines, high costs, quality concerns, cravings and the pursuit of value for money.

Despite the diverse range of options available today, the very notion of a healthier lifestyle often sounds daunting and unappealing to many, leading individuals to abandon their efforts. Change should happen in the mindsets of individuals by educating and helping them understand the importance and joyfulness of this journey.

Achinthya Neligama
Founder
Wellness Cultz

Buddhist philosophy teaches that good health is the greatest form of wealth, a principle that has held true from ancient times to date. As technology has advanced, our surroundings have changed, affecting everything from our food and environment to daily habits. The convenience of modern inventions has made it easy to lead a sedentary lifestyle with endless entertainment at our fingertips and food delivered to our doorstep.

Even when we are aware of the dangers of such habits, breaking free from them can be difficult. This is where peer pressure can be beneficial. Simple actions – such as counting the calories of your food or making time for exercise after work – can inspire and motivate others to follow your lead, especially if others look up to you.

Dr. Chandanamali Punchihewa
CEO & Chief Scientist
Genelabs Medical

Today, the world offers various choices for changing lifestyles. Unfortunately, many people face unhealthy situations and stress due to busy routines, addictions to unhealthy foods and limited physical activity. This is the time for individuals to prioritise adopting healthier lifestyles. When society struggles to transition to healthier living, food manufacturers have a social responsibility to inspire and motivate people to make and sustain healthier choices. A key aspect of this is introducing healthy food options in convenient ways.

The emphasis should be on using ingredients that are 100 percent natural, healthy and free from preservatives, additives or chemicals. Sri Lanka has an abundance of underutilised natural and healthy ingredients. It’s essential to share more information with consumers about the nutritional value of these ingredients and focus on product innovations that make them more accessible.

Lakmini Weerakkody
Founder
Lak Nature

Sri Lanka is currently experiencing a demographic shift with an increasing number of senior citizens in its population. A large proportion of the population is already over the age of 60 and this segment is expected to grow. As a result, a notable share of the population may no longer be able to participate in the labour force.

Therefore, the economic contribution derived from the labour force could dwindle in the near future unless proactive measures are taken and investments are made in the healthcare sector to ensure the optimal functioning of senior citizens, as well as the youth and children. In this context, it is crucial to promote platforms, particularly in the digital and technological space, to support and maintain optimal physical and mental health for all age groups.

Nadini Perera Wickramasinghe
Founder
Ceylon Speechie