Stories about remarkably long-lived people — just like the Spanish woman who died earlier this yr at age 117 — often spark speculation concerning the secrets of longevity. They have also fueled growing interest in longevity clinics (see “Longevity Clinics: A Valuable Promise”). But what does the science actually say?
“There are many affordable, proven strategies for living a long, healthy life.” Heart Letter Editor-in-Chief Dr. Chris Cannon. The nation’s leading cardiologist, Dr. Eric Topol, has a long-standing interest in these strategies, which he details in his book 2025, Super Agers: An Evidence-Based Approach to Longevity. According to Dr. Topol, founder and director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute in La Jolla, Calif., super-agers are individuals who reach age 70 without major illnesses reminiscent of heart disease, cancer, or dementia.
Early in his profession, Dr. Topol led several clinical trials that modified how we prevent and treat heart attacks. It seems that lifestyle habits that protect your heart also reduce your risk of other common chronic conditions. Here, Dr. Keenan shares the ways he has incorporated Dr. Topol’s three key suggestions into his own life and the recommendation he shares together with his patients.
Longevity Clinics: A Precious PromiseIn recent years, industrial longevity clinics have sprung up across the country. They offer many advanced tests and coverings that promise to increase your “span of health.” This period of life is spent in good health, free from chronic disease and disability. With costs starting from $5,000 to $100,000 or more for a yr of services, these clinics are out of reach for most individuals. This shouldn’t be necessarily a foul thing, as many promote unsolicited practices and supplements. |
Pump up your workout
“I finished going to the gym during Covid but recently began again. The growing evidence of how strength training supports cardiovascular health inspired me to begin doing CrossFit twice every week. [see “What is CrossFit?”]. I find that being at school helps me rather a lot greater than lifting weights alone. The advantage of resistance training can be key to preserving muscle mass, enabling you to proceed exercising as you age. But I’ve learned to decelerate my efforts and pay careful attention to my form since I injured my shoulder — a couple of years ago — with a partial tear within the rotator cuff. If you are in the identical boat, whether it is your shoulder, hip, knee, or one other joint, I’d recommend working with a physical therapist or personal trainer who focuses on helping people safely transition back to exercise after an injury.
What is CrossFit?“Defined as consistently varied, high-intensity functional movements,” a CrossFit workout consists of a rotation of exercises over a set time frame. For example, you would possibly do five pull-ups, 10 push-ups, and 15 squats, and repeat the sequence for 20 minutes. There are 1000’s of CrossFit gyms within the United States that supply classes, which will be modified based in your age, health and skill. You may also do a free, easy CrossFit workout at home with on a regular basis items (like milk jugs and brooms). This video serieswhich is geared toward older adults. |
Eat a mostly vegetarian weight loss plan
Sleep well
“The importance of sleep has been on my radar since 2017, once I contributed to a study that found that sleeping lower than six hours an evening was related to heart attacks and related problems. I make a conscious effort to get at the very least seven hours of sleep every night. As many sleep experts will inform you, reading the news at the tip of the night. and other online distractions, but in addition calms me down before bed.
Photo: © Andresr/Getty Images